Anton du Beke, 53, found himself in the final of Strictly Come Dancing for the second time after being partnered with EastEnders star Emma, 42, in the most recent series and went on to perform in another live show in the weeks after. For this reason, he was unable to dance with the soap star on the tour version of the BBC dance show, which came to a wrap earlier this month. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine today, the actress revealed what it was like to be coupled up with his replacement.
Standing in for Anton for the live tour was his fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, 25, who didn’t have a celebrity partner in the most recent series.
Although he wasn’t competing, the Italian performer still partook in the group dances which featured the Strictly veteran.
Although Emma got to the final with her original partner, unfortunately, she failed to get her hands on a crown for any of the live tour shows, which saw Kelvin Fletcher, 36, take 30 of the 31 winning titles.
Asked what it was like to dance with a replacement instead of her fellow finalist, the EastEnders star explained her thoughts on being paired with another world champion.
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Speaking to chat show host Lorraine Kelly, 60, Emma joked it was “very difficult” to share the live tour stage with Graziano “because he’s not the best to look at.”
However, it was all in jest as she went on to explain it was “lovely” to perform with someone else and she found herself in a “win-win” situation.
The actress previously spoke out about performing with Graziano, revealing how she felt dancing with someone younger than her.
In an interview with Express.co.uk, Emma said of performing with someone other than Anton: “I guess it’s different.”
Emma’s original partner Anton is keeping his feet firmly on the dance floor, but it had been rumoured he could be taking a seat on the judging panel.
Head judge Shirly Ballas, 59, seemingly confirming all four judges would be returning in September in a now-deleted tweet, but after the final, it was suggested the Strictly veteran could join them.
Other reports suggested the professional could be quitting the show altogether after losing the crown once again.
Quashing the rumours, the dancer spoke with Lorraine back in December, just days after he and Emma narrowly missed out on the title.
The veteran said it was “absolute nonsense” he would be leaving the show after appearing on the programme since it began in 2004.
“It’s made up, made up before we even left the building,” he added, before stating the idea was “hilarious” to think about.
Anton declared he “can’t leave ever”, addressing he was “still standing” despite other professional dancers coming and going.
Lorraine added it “wouldn’t be the same” without him, but fans are still waiting on the news who will be making up the professional line-up for this year’s series.
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One.
