Strictly judge Anton Du Beke hits back at claims BBC bosses are in 'crisis talks' over the show's future as he defends under-fire new hosts and falling viewing figures

Published: 04:34 EDT, 4 November 2026 | Updated: 04:48 EDT, 4 November 2026 Anton Du Beke has hit back at claims Strictly Come Dancing bosses are in 'crisis talks' over the show's future. The judge, 60, who has been on the show since it started in 2004, has defended the new hosts, the falling viewing figures and celebrity line-up in a new interview. The programme has come under enormous scrutiny this year after the hosting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe replaced the outgoing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.While Emma is deemed to be a triumph, Josh and former pro dancer Johannes have been criticised for fluffing their lines and timing missteps.Last week, the Mail on Sunday revealed that BBC bosses know that they need to make changes to the presenting line-up for next series. Anton told The Times of the speculation: 'I never worry about all that. I've seen it all before. All before.' Strictly judge Anton Du Beke has hit back at claims BBC bosses are in 'crisis talks' over the show's future The judge, who has been on the show since it started in 2004, has defended the new hosts (picture Josh, Emma and Johannes) , the falling viewing figures and celebrity line-up He added while he misses Tess and Claudia, they don't spend any time together away from the show as he added: 'We go in on Saturday, judge the show, come away. Whatever's in front of us doesn't matter.'Showbusiness people are used to change. It hasn't changed anything about the show. The only thing you have is great excitement about new people coming in and joining the family. It sounds a bit twee, but it is that. 'All the hosts do is say 'Hello, welcome to the show,' and, 'Here's who's coming next'. The bit we want is the dancing.' The show once drew in 14 million viewers at its peak but the launch show this year drew 5.7million.The former professional dancer said: 'The viewing figures aren't what they were because [television's] all different now. The key is the viewer percentage of whoever's watching the television at that moment. 'There's no point saying, "We don't get 12 million viewers like we used to", if only 5 million are watching television anyway.'Anton said last weekend's percentage was 58 per cent and added 'every year over 50 per cent of the population are watching.' When the line-up for the 24th series was announced, it came under fire for not having household names, with bosses instead picking social media stars. When the line-up for the 24th series was announced, it came under fire for not having household names, with bosses instead picking social media stars (pictured John Nellis) Strictly insiders have been open about how they struggled to get big stars to do the show. After 22 years, many of the biggest household names have already taken part.But Anton argued: 'People say we don't know who the contestants are. It's such an odd thing to say. It's not that we don't know anyone.'The judge argued if you watch EastEnders you would know Lacey Turner or if you have seen the Winter Olympics you would know who Tabby Stoecker is.It comes as the 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing reaches the halfway point, amid tumbling ratings and criticism of its new presenters, bosses are to hold a crisis meeting.Show insiders have told The Mail on Sunday senior producers are 'bereft' at how Strictly has been received this year but are refusing to give up on it.One source said BBC bosses know they have a 'Premier League product' that's operating at a 'League One standard'.The insider told the MoS: 'Nobody wants to give up on Strictly. It's a brilliant show and everyone inside the BBC believes that.'It needs the jazz and glamour put back into it, and they are determined to do that.'There have been conversations, but there is to be a proper meeting where ideas will be put forward on how to resurrect it for the viewers.'Realistically, it's too late for this series but there is no way that it can't be overhauled for next year.'STRICTLY COME DANCING 2026: MEET THE CONTESTANTS LACEY TURNER AGE: 38BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Stacey Slater on BBC's EastEnders WHY STRICTLY?: 'I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plunked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.'DELTA GOODREMAGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Played Nina Tucker in Neighbours and has released eight music albumsWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!'CACH MERCERAGE: 25BEST KNOWN FOR?: Won Love Island 2025 and is a TikTok influencerWHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching the show with my family and am so excited to now be part of the cast. Dancing is a huge passion of mine and I can’t wait to learn Ballroom and do the Foxtrot for the first time!'DAME SARAH STOREYAGE: 48BEST KNOWN FOR?: Britain's most successful Paralympian WHY STRICTLY?: 'Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.'BETHANY ANTONIA AGE: 28BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Lady Baela Targaryen in House of the DragonWHY STRICTLY?: 'I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully!) learn a new skill.'GRAEME 'THE DOGFATHER' HALLAGE: 59BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Channel 5 series Dogs Behaving (Very) BadlyWHY STRICTLY?: 'I have watched the show for years, so to be a part of it feels like a very exciting challenge, albeit more than a bit nerve-wracking!'TABBY STOECKER AGE: 25BEST KNOWN FOR?: Olympic champion skeleton racerWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve had the wildest year of my life so far, so to be rounding it off with a childhood dream of dancing in the Strictly ballroom is surreal and I can’t wait to get stuck in!'MELANIE WALTERS AGE: 64BEST KNOWN FOR?: Playing Gwen West in BBC sitcom Gavin & StaceyWHY STRICTLY?: 'Performing in Pantomime for the last 15 years, my Strictly ‘fix’ has always been watching in a dressing room rather than my front room.' DANI DYERAGE: 30BEST KNOWN FOR?: Winning Love Island and being the daughter of actor Danny DyerWHY STRICTLY?: 'I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!'CHRIS APPLETONAGE: 43BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hairdresser to the stars - including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer LopezWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new.'WILL BESTAGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Hosts Big Brother and previously TVWHY STRICTLY?: 'I’ve been lucky to do lots of live telly before, but absolutely nothing like this. And I cannot wait!'JAIME WINSTONEAGE: 41BEST KNOWN FOR?: Starring in films such as Kidulthood and Tomb RaiderWHY STRICTLY?: 'I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me.'SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS AGE: 44BEST KNOWN FOR?: Footballer who played for the likes of Chelsea and Manchester CityWHY STRICTLY?: 'Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!'LAWRENCE ROBBAGE: 34BEST KNOWN FOR?: Plays Mackenzie Boyd on ITV's EmmerdaleWHY STRICTLY?: 'I can't quite believe that I am going to be getting my dancing shoes on this September on one of my favourite shows of all time!'JOHN NELLIS AGE: 33BEST KNOWN FOR?: Face of a popular football-focused YouTube channelWHY STRICTLY?: 'I can't wait to meet everyone, learn a new skill and, hopefully, be much better at family parties by the end of it!'