BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Nick Knowles to reveal 'builders' dance moves' says Anton Du Beke

Nick Knowles, one of the celebrity contestants in this year's BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has expressed his excitement to see Nick Knowles showcase his builder dance moves on the BBC One show. The series, which is set to return this Saturday, is marking its 20th anniversary this year. Among the contestants are Knowles, who lives near Cirencester and is well-known for presenting the home renovation show DIY SOS, and comedian Chris McCausland, who is the first blind competitor on the show.

In the past year, Strictly Come Dancing has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations regarding the treatment of contestants by their professional partners. Amanda Abbington levelled accusations about the behaviour of her Strictly partner, Giovanni Pernice, which he vehemently denied.

An investigation was initiated by BBC, with the results of the probe yet to be disclosed. The 2024 line-up includes opera singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, singer Toyah Willcox, reality TV star Pete Wicks, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri, and The X Factor winner, Shayne Ward.

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When asked for his thoughts on this year's contestants, Du Beke said: "I think it's going to be a brilliant cast this year. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing Nick Knowles. I know that he's got a couple of builders' dance moves."

Sam Quek, Shayne Ward, Tasha Ghouri, Dr Punam Krishan, Pete Wicks, Jamie Borthwick, Nick Knowles, JB Gill, Chris McCausland, Montell Douglas, Toyah Willcox, Wynne Evans, Paul Merson, Sarah Hadland and Tom Dean
Sam Quek, Shayne Ward, Tasha Ghouri, Dr Punam Krishan, Pete Wicks, Jamie Borthwick, Nick Knowles, JB Gill, Chris McCausland, Montell Douglas, Toyah Willcox, Wynne Evans, Paul Merson, Sarah Hadland and Tom Dean -Credit:PA

Du Beke also suggested that "you can spot your finalists from the first day when they walk into the room in fact, but you can't spot a winner because that's up to the audience" due to the way the voting is decided. However, head judge Shirley Ballas is less certain that this can always be the case, referring to comedian Bill Bailey, who won in 2020 with Oti Mabuse.

Ballas commented: "When I saw Bill Bailey come down the stairs in his gold trousers, I thought, 'Oh, I'm not sure about this young man.' I wasn't quite sure, and then he went on to win it. He had an exemplary work ethic."

"He studied all the dances and what countries they came from. He took the criticism on board amazingly well and came back every week trying his absolute best. Luckily, he went on to win the show, and that was marvellous. So, just because you're the best dancer doesn't mean you'll win the show."

Strictly Come Dancing judges (left to right) Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke
Strictly Come Dancing judges (left to right) Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke -Credit:PA

Meanwhile, judge Motsi Mabuse said stepping out onto the ballroom for the show "reminds me of the responsibility and the joy that comes with being part of this show". She added: "There's always a little bit of nerves, but it's the good kind the kind that reminds me of how much I care about what I do."

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood shares similar sentiments. He stated: "The reason I'm nervous is for the contestants because they've worked hard all week for that one performance.

"Because it's live, there's no turning back. Whatever happens on that day happens, and even professionals have made mistakes over the years." There's no escaping it, and you just don't know how it's going to go on the night."

Strictly Come Dancing will be back at 7.20pm on Saturday on BBC One