Strictly Come Dancing's Motsi Mabuse breaks silence on Anton Du Beke tension rumours

Motsi Mabuse has broken her silence on the rumours of tensions between her and dance professional Anton Du Beke after she was confirmed as the new Strictly Come Dancing judge.

The 38-year-old insisted that there was no bad blood between her and Du Beke after it was widely reported that the professional dancer – who has appeared on the BBC show since the series – was tipped to replace Darcey Bussell on the judging panel.

Speaking to Lorraine Kelly this morning, she said: "It’s been fine because I honestly, like I say, they know what they are doing, they made their choices. I know Anton for quite a while.

"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."

Revealing that she was "nervous" ahead of the first live show, she said: "This time I can feel it within myself that I have different nerves that are being awakened and it’s good – this is a different challenge and I’m learning something more about myself."

Motsi first appeared on the German version of Strictly, Let's Dance, in 2007 as a professional dancer but has sat on the judging panel with Joachim Llambi and Jorge Gonzalez since 2011.

The pro - who is the older sister of Strictly star Oti Mabuse – will join fellow judges Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and head judge Shirley Ballas.

15 couples will each take to the floor during Saturday’s live show.

And - for the only time this series - they will not have to worry about being booted out, as eliminations do not take place until week two.

Former footballer Alex Scott and her partner Neil Jones will do a quickstep to I Get A Kick Out Of You by Frank Sinatra while comedian Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer will take on a more contemporary song by dancing a cha cha to Juice by Lizzo.

There will be two tango routines on Saturday night – one from YouTube star Saffron Barker and AJ Pritchard to Lips Are Moving by Meghan Trainor, and another from rower James Cracknell and Luba Mushtuk, to Gold by Spandau Ballet.

The celebs and their professional partners have had two weeks to practice the routines.

Things have been especially tough for Kelvin Fletcher and Oti though, as the former Emmerdale actor was added to the line-up far later than his fellow contestants.

His place on the show was only confirmed two weeks ago, when he stepped in to replace Jamie Laing, who had been forced to pull out due to injury.

Lorraine airs weekdays at 8.30am on ITV

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 7pm, on BBC One

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