Anton Du Beke Prioritizes Family Over Panto for Holiday Season

Professional dancer and judge Anton Du Beke is set to return to the popular dance show Strictly Come Dancing this September, but he has made a significant personal decision regarding his family commitments. As he prepares for a busy end of year, Du Beke has opted out of performing in a pantomime, prioritizing time with his children during the festive season.

Du Beke will be back on the panel with fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Shirley Ballas when the show returns for its 2025 series. The lineup of professional dancers was confirmed earlier this year, featuring well-known names such as Amy Dowden, Nadiya Bychkova, and Gorka Marquez, alongside new faces like Alexis Warr, a champion from So You Think You Can Dance, and Julian Caillon from Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, according to the Manchester Evening News.

In a recent appearance on ITV’s Lorraine, Du Beke shared his excitement about his upcoming Christmas show titled Christmas with Anton Du Beke. He explained that his decision to step away from pantomime this year was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his children, George and Henrietta, who are now eight years old. “I missed all of Christmas with the children. They grow up so fast. You miss it all. I love Christmas like it’s ridiculous,” he said.

Reflecting on his family life, Du Beke expressed deep appreciation for his wife, Hannah, who he described as “the most incredible person in the whole world.” Together, they welcomed twins George and Henrietta in 2017 after undergoing successful IVF treatment. This family dynamic has influenced his decision-making, particularly regarding his career.

“I didn’t want to do panto anymore, and that’s why I did the Christmas show last year, which is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Du Beke stated. He reminisced about his earlier performance at the Albert Hall, which he described as a dream. “Last year, we put that together with the fabulous Lance Ellington, who is just dreamy and brilliant,” he added.

As the holiday season approaches, Du Beke’s commitment to his family remains a priority. His decision to focus on creating memorable experiences at home reflects a sentiment shared by many working parents during the busy festive period. With his return to Strictly Come Dancing and a festive show in the works, Du Beke looks forward to balancing his professional and personal life in a meaningful way.