Strictly judge on Sussex dance roots, shows and memoir

Strictly Come Dancing star-turned-judge Anton Du Beke says he has a "big relationship with Sussex" ahead of the release of his debut memoir.

The professional dancer, originally from Sevenoaks in Kent, is bringing his show that accompanies the book - Steps in Time - to Congress Theatre in Eastbourne on 28 October.

Steps in Time focuses on stories and memories about his life pre-Strictly through a Q&A.

He told BBC Radio Sussex that his first "real dance teachers", Bill and Sylvia Mitchell, from Rottingdean in East Sussex, were influential early in his career.

"I spent, must've been 20 years, having lessons with them every week," Du Beke said.

"I used to have lessons in Hove, so I've had a long association with Sussex."

As an amateur, he said he self-funded his career through "more jobs you can shake a stick at".

"From bed salesman, a baker for about five years, a second-hand car salesman, I've delivered gas bottles to people's houses during the summer, painter and decorator - I've done everything," he told the BBC.

Now a Strictly judge, Du Beke said his strength over others on the panel was his 16 years' experience as a professional dancer on the programme.

"I saw the show evolve. I remember the days where we used to walk out in the tail suit, nod a head, take hold and dance," he said.

"Next thing you know, I've got big set pieces on the floor and augmented reality."

Du Beke said his "wall-to-wall Christmas" show was also "hugely exciting" for him.

It will follow the release of his festive single Dance My Way To Christmas on 6 November, which he recorded as a duet with singer Lance Ellington.

The dancer said the show and song are reminiscent of Christmas specials he used to watch while growing up, from artists like Dean Martin and Nat King Cole.

"It was something I wanted to do forever," he said.

Anton At Christmas will come to Brighton Centre on 22 December.

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