Anton du Beke is joining the judges line-up for the 2021 edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

He’ll be filling in for Bruno Tonioli who is stepping down for the series due to the on-going issues around the pandemic.

Anton will sit alongside regular judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.

Speaking about his move behind the judges’ desk, Anton said: “My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly. It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”

Tonioli added: “Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place – it’s just a shame they weren’t available… haha! Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.”