BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Anton du Beke steps in over backlash which left co-star distraught

Shayne Ward has faced nasty comments and trolling since making his debut on the show last week.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke has been forced to speak out to defend a co-star following a backlash which left him demoralised. Shayne Ward has faced nasty comments and trolling since making his debut on the show last week.

But Shayne, the former ITV Coronation Street star and The X Factor winner, has received the backing of show judge Anton. Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton has defended Shayne and his BBC pro partner, Nancy Xu, during the second episode.

Giving his judging and feedback on September 28, Anton - who is one of four judges used by the show - commented: "I want you to listen to this, I want you to concentrate. I want you to evolve yourself into the dance, it's about the dance.

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"I at the moment, don't want to know about you, at the moment. I will do later, right now I want you to be in the dance and when you do that, you get this because it's intense, it's together, you're in beautiful harmony.

"The music is part of the whole production as well and it's a complete bit. I want you to focus on that because moving forward, you can be a real powerhouse in this competition." Craig Revel-Horwood said: "I completely agree with Anton, you are the one to watch."

It comes after fans savaged Shayne, who played Aidan Connor in Corrie during his time on the soap, for being "overconfident" and "cocky". Shayne appeared to address the backlash with an Instagram post that read: "Strictly is amazing and I love being part of it. But through my smile on TV I'm as nervous as the next person.

"Not cocky or overconfident... I'm nervous! I just gotta work hard and listen to my wonderful teacher [Nancy]. All I can do is my best!"