Anton Du Beke, 53, joined Chris Evans, 53, on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show today where the Strictly Come Dancing veteran revealed he declined Kevin Clifton’s help on the show. The ballroom professional was quizzed by radio host Chris about what Kevin was up to now that he was no longer on the show with celebrity partner Anneka Rice, 61, after the pair were booted from the BBC show in Movie Week. The Virgin Radio DJ asked: “So has Kevin been on [Strictly], and how does he fill his time?” Anton replied: “Well he asked. He said ‘If you need anything, let me know’.
“And I said ‘I would do Kev, but I’m doing alright’.”
The Strictly star is currently paired with EastEnders’ actress Emma Barton, 42, and the dancing duo have been busy in the studio rehearsing for this week’s show.
Chris said: “The roles have reversed this year.”
Anton’s comments comes after Kevin won the Glitterball Trophy in 2018 alongside his now girlfriend Stacey Dooley, 32.
The Grimsby-born dancer became the first professional dancer in the show’s history to compete in four consecutive finals.
Meanwhile, Anton has been a part of Strictly since the show debuted in 2004.
The dancing veteran is known for his more comedic pairings after being partnered with Nancy Dell’Olio in 2011 and Ann Widdecombe in 2010 but has yet to win the competition.
He was finally within reach of the Glitterball Trophy in 2015, after making it to the final with Proms and Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham but the dancing duo only secured fourth place.
Speaking on Virgin Radio, the dancer admitted he believes Emma can win this year’s series.
Chris asked: “How far do you think you’ll get in the competition realistically?”
Anton replied: “Honestly, I think [Emma] can go all the way. I think she’s amazing. I think she’s tremendous.”
“But can you go all the way?” the radio DJ teased.
The Strictly star chuckled at the cheeky swipe, as he said: “I’ll take my inhaler and I’ll be fine. I’ll have a lie down in the afternoons.”
Chris then added: “Kevin’s on stand-by.”
Anton will be hoping to top the leaderboard when he returns to the dance floor with Emma for Halloween Week on Saturday night.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday on BBC One at 6.35pm.