Strictly's Anton Du Beke admits 'I'm waiting for it' as he shares 'upsetting' health fears
In an honest discussion, Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke opened up about a pressing fear regarding his health, one he thinks could happen to him at "any stage"
Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke
(Image: ITV )
Anton Du Beke has opened up about an "upsetting" health concern and how he's ultimately "waiting for it to happen". In an honest discussion earlier this year, the Strictly judge shared a pressing fear around the difficulties of ageing, which he feels could happen to him at "any stage" despite the professional dancer currently feeling like a "machine".
Described by the BBC as "part of the Strictly furniture", Anton has been a regular fixture on the popular dance show since the first series in 2004, partnering with the likes of Patsy Palmer and Lesley Joseph.
Hailing from Sevenoaks, Kent, the 58-year-old has been dancing since the tender age of 14, finding his feet in the world of ballroom three years later, at the age of 17, with a penchant for the foxtrot.
Fast forward to 2025, and it seems Anton isn't a fan of ageing. Indeed, when asked what he thinks is the worst thing about getting older, he quickly pointed out one "irritating" element.
Anton has been a regular fixture on the popular dance show since the first series
(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images )
Opening up to the Telegraph, the King of Ballroom Anton said: "I can't remember routines like I used to. It takes longer to remember. It's so irritating. Hearing's gone as well.
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"Bits start to drop off, and that's really upsetting. I'm a machine, obviously, so it doesn't happen to me yet, but I'm waiting for it to happen at any stage.
"But I've had to have my hair done twice [a hair transplant], just to keep my hair in one place. The salt-and-pepper look has been an absolute revelation to me. It saved me having to dye it."
Anton added that he'd looked at some of his dyed hair in photos and wondered why "somebody didn't mention" it to him earlier. Yet, with age also comes change, particularly when it comes to the younger generation.
Speaking previously in an episode of the My Time Capsule podcast, the much-loved judge shed light on a pet peeve involving mobile phones that really gets him "going".
Anton quickly pointed out one "irritating" aspect of ageing
(Image: Dave)
Apparently, Anton doesn't like people using their device's loudspeaker in public, pointing out that "everyone's got an earphone". It prompted him to share his thoughts on another element of modern phone usage.
He claimed that people no longer "like to pick the phone up", something he finds "extraordinary". Awkwardly, however, it appears that his wife, Hannah Summers, doesn't feel the same way.
Anton said: "That's the new thing as well. People don't like to pick the phone up. I find that extraordinary. My wife is the same, though, really. She goes, 'Oh, I don't really like speaking on the phone'.
"I just go, 'Grow up, I said. Grow up. Sort yourself out. What are you talking about? 'I don't like talking on the phone'."
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You can catch Anton on Pointless Celebrities on BBC One on Saturday, July 12, from 7.20pm to 8.05pm.
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