Yahoo News Strictly's Anton Du Beke reveals Queen Camilla's favourite pro dancer
The star spilled the beans on ITV's Lorraine
Watch: Anton Du Beke reveals he is Queen Camilla's favourite Strictly star
What did you miss?
Strictly Come Dancing legend Anton Du Beke has joked that he is Queen Camilla's favourite professional dancer on the BBC show.
The star – who was a pro on the show for 16 years before becoming a judge in 2021 – spilled the beans as he appeared on ITV's Lorraine. He also said that Camilla and King Charles were big fans of the BBC ballroom contest and that it was "rather splendid" to get the royal seal of approval.
Du Beke's appearance came amid reports that a planned 20th anniversary Strictly special set to be filmed at Buckingham Palace has been axed, but the dancer did not address all the whispers.
What, how and why?
The star chatted to host Lorraine Kelly on her show on Wednesday (10 July), in an episode filmed inside Buckingham Palace. He said the royals had "always been great fans" of Strictly.
"It is rather splendid," he added. "It’s lovely to know that the King and the Queen are watching Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night. If you ask of them, of course, 'We’re her favourite.' I've always been Queen Camilla’s favourite professional."
"Well I believe it!" he laughed. "It might not be true!"
Du Beke also discussed how he had previously danced at the royal residence and Kelly mentioned the 2017 special. "Queen Camilla hosted us," the dancer confirmed.
The event was part of the Strictly Christmas Special, and saw Strictly stars and members of the local community attending a Tea Dance that was aimed at highlighting the benefits of dance and exercise.
Some of the Strictly professional dancers also performed a routine of their own in the stunning ballroom.
Will Strictly be filmed at Buckingham Palace?
There have been rumours about Camilla taking part in Strictly in some way and the programme being filmed at the Palace sometime soon. With the show marking its 20th anniversary this year, people have been speculating about the upcoming series being the one where it will happen.
The show's head judge Shirley Ballas was asked about the rumours around Camilla and the Palace on Good Morning Britain earlier this year and teased: “Well let me tell you, I know quite a lot about what’s going on, I do, I just can’t share it! But anyway, gossip and rumour has it…”
She didn't give more specific details, but went on to reveal she thought the Queen would make a great contestant. "Camilla, I think they would look great doing a little bit of a Foxtrot," she mused. "Maybe a bit of Cha Cha Cha.”
However, The Sun has reported that the plans were scrapped over diary and logistical issues.
Yahoo has contacted the BBC for comment.
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