Affectionately dubbed the 'King of Ballroom', judgeAnton Du Beke has become a veritable national treasure since first gliding onto the Strictly Come Dancing set two decades ago. The professional ballroom dancer, 58, has appeared in every series since 2004, and despite many changes during that time, his enthusiasm has never waned, reports OK!

"The show has evolved unrecognisably, but has remained true to itself," he says. "I'm so proud that Craig, Tess and I are the ones left from the very beginning. That makes me enormously proud and I hope we all stay until the end of time. I think they're brilliant."

Affectionately dubbed the King of Ballroom', judge Anton Du Beke has become a veritable national treasure since first gliding onto the Strictly Come Dancing

During his 18 years as a Strictly dancer, Anton became known for his unwavering patience and wry humour, especially when propping up those who struggled to know a salsa from a samba. While he was regularly paired with so-called "comedy" acts such as Ann Widdecombe and Nancy Dell'Olio, Anton was always supportive of his celeb partners, saying diplomatically: "They were all marvellous. I enjoyed dancing and spending time with all of them. Some did better than others, that's all I can say."

Anton has also defended the older contestants, including actress Lesley Joseph, with whom he danced in 2016. Although they ended up in 11th place, he credits the Birds Of A Feather star with being one of his best-ever students. "Lesley was in her seventies and bright as a button," he says. "She's the quickest person I've ever danced with to pick up a routine, and the oldest person I've ever danced with. Age doesn't hold you back."

Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton with fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood

Although he never bagged the coveted glitterball trophy, Anton and EastEnders actress Emma Barton came tantalisingly close to victory in 2019, when they emerged as runners-up. His second-highest finish was in series one, when he and opera singer Lesley Garrett bagged third place. He remains a little miffed about missing out on the ultimate prize.

"Sadly, I don't care what Édith Piaf says – I never won it and it is a regret!" he jokingly admitted. Anton, who grew up on a council estate in Kent with his Spanish mother and Hungarian father, began his ballroom journey at a local dance school aged 14. "I went along and there were all these girls there, which was fabulous!" he recalls. "I was hooked."

Anton performing on stage with Erin Broag during Sadler's Wells A Gala Evening of Dance at Tower of London in 2009

After leaving school at 16, Anton spent all his spare time and money on dance lessons, taking on various jobs to make ends meet, including working in a bakery and washing up. "I've had tough times," he recalls. "You're never sure whether you're doing the right thing. You've got no money, no proper job. I invested everything in becoming a dancer."

Back then, the practice was still not taken seriously. "I'd see Shirley Ballas and Len Goodman at various dance competitions or in practice studios," he says. "There we were, beavering away to make the revolution happen."

Prior to his big break on Strictly, Anton danced with New Zealand-born Erin Boag, his professional partner of 27 years. The pair were once ranked 14th in the world for ballroom, and won scores of major contests together. But when they were signed up for Strictly, both assumed it would only last one series.

Outside of his Strictly world, Anton lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Hannah Summers, and their seven-year-old twins, George and Henrietta

Recalling that life-changing first run of the show, Anton says, "To be able to dance on television on a Saturday night was something I never thought we'd be able to do. It was a dream really – and the dream continues."

Twenty years later, Anton is now a core member of the judging panel, alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas. His new role came about when LA-based Bruno Tonioli had to miss the 2021 series due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Anton filled in, with the position becoming permanent the following year.

While Anton loves being a judge, he does occasionally miss working up a sweat on the dance floor. "I watch some of the pros do the numbers and get a bit of dance envy, thinking I wish I could be a part of that," he admits. "But judging is so much easier on the knees!"

Although he never bagged the coveted glitterball trophy, Anton and EastEnders actress Emma Barton came tantalisingly close to victory in 2019, when they emerged as runners-up

Although he no longer has to don elaborate dance costumes, snappy dresser Anton still takes pride in his outfits for every episode. "I'll have two new jackets every weekend for Strictly," he says. "I love a new jacket. Clothes are massively important. I think about Fred Astaire and all the things he used to wear. That's where my great inspiration comes from. He's the ultimate – that's who I wanted to be growing up."

Outside of his Strictly world, Anton lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Hannah Summers, and their seven-year-old twins, George and Henrietta. In a TV interview, he once revealed he was so smitten when he met marketing executive Hannah at a dinner party that he followed her to the toilet! Confessing all on Steph's Packed Lunch, he said, "I knew almost immediately that I loved her. She also loved me immediately, although I was holding a bottle of wine!"

With Strictly still putting a spring in his step all these years on, Anton's passion for his work is infectious

The pair wed in 2017, and Anton says of Hannah, "She's an absolute legend. As Mary Poppins would say, she's 'practically perfect in every way'." Although he didn't become a father until he was in his fifties, Anton says having children transformed his life. "I just think it's the best thing," he says. "They're wonderful. Everyone thinks this about their own children, but I think they're pretty marvellous."

Now they are a little older, Anton says the twins love nothing more than watching their dad on the box. "They both want to become dancers," he says. "Henrietta is all over it and puts her own scores up."

With Strictly still putting a spring in his step all these years on, Anton's passion for his work is infectious. "There's a wonderful feeling around the show. I love that feeling of lifting everybody up," he says. "The sun shines when Strictly is on." We couldn't agree more...