Motsi Mabuse: No bad blood with Anton Du Beke over 'Strictly' job

Motsi Mabuse has insisted there are no hard feelings between her and Anton Du Beke after she was hired as a Strictly Come Dancing judge instead of him.

Dancer Du Beke, who has been on every series of the BBC show, threw his hat into the ring for the role when Dame Darcey Bussell vacated her seat on the judging panel, and was thought to be a favourite.

However, this summer it was announced that Mabuse had got the job.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Mabuse said Du Beke had been a “gentleman”.

"It’s been fine… I’ve known Anton for quite a while,” she said.

"I met him and he’s such a gentleman.

“I don’t think it’s anything personal at all, everyone gets to shine in their different ways."

Read more: Motsi Mabuse not feeling the pressure

Du Beke was also thought to be among the contenders for a Strictly judging slot when Len Goodman stepped down in 2016, but missed out then too.

When Bussell announced earlier this year that she was leaving, Du Beke admitted he would like to take her place.

Speaking on the Graham Norton Show on BBC Radio 2, he said he was “certainly qualified” for the role.

In July it was announced that Mabuse, the sister of Strictly professional Oti Mabuse, was the new judge.

She is on the panel alongside Bruno Tonioli, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.

Read more: Anton Du Beke finally gets promising Strictly partner

Mabuse said she would be critiquing her sister “like any other dancer”.

“Being extra hard or giving her extra points would be disrespectful to what she has achieved and I never want to do that,” she said.

This year Du Beke has been paired with EastEnders actress Emma Barton.