Anton du Beke has joked that he stands a chance of lifting the Glitter Ball trophy on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ because his partner has "her own teeth".
The 53-year-old professional dancer has only made the final in Blackpool twice, coming third with Lesley Garrett in 2004 and fourth place with presenter Katie Derham in 2015.
He’s since been paired with MP Ann Widdecombe, 71, Birds of A Feather’s Lesley Joseph, 73, and TV legend Esther Rantzen, 79, whilst last year he finished in final place with former ‘What Not to Wear’ co-host Susannah Constantine.
This year, Anton believes he’s got lucky as he has been paired with ‘EastEnders’ star Emma Barton, 42, who he described as "tall, gorgeous and talented" and admitted it’s "an absolute dream" because she is "younger than he’s used to".
He told Radio Times magazine: "I’m very excited about this one.
"Emma’s tall, gorgeous and talented.
"She’s an absolute dream and, I’ve got to be honest, younger than I’m used to."
He then quipped: "And she’s got her own teeth. That’ll do for me."
Meanwhile, Anneka Rice – who is partnered with Kevin Clifton – has admitted she was taken back by her sons Sam, 19, Thomas, 30, and 29-year-old Josh’s "glorious" response to her taking part in the BBC One ballroom and Latin contest.
She told the publication: "When the call came, I didn’t tell a soul. The idea was so ludicrous I couldn’t even say it aloud.
"Awkwardly, my sons found out about me doing ‘Strictly’ when it was plastered all over the press. Instead of the horror I was expecting, their reaction was glorious."
And Paralympian table tennis ace Will Bayley – who is competing with pro Janette Manrara – is hoping ‘Strictly’ will help him get to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan in 2020.
He said: "It’s a year before the Tokyo Games, so now is just the right time for me to do Strictly. I want to win a gold medal, and I think this will help with my table tennis training.
"I’m learning a lot about my body – my balance is improving.
"With my physical condition [arthrosis, a muscle condition affecting all four limbs] it’s a massive test of balance, but in every single training session I’ve felt like I’m getting better."
Anton du Beke jokes he could win Strictly because Emma Barton ‘has her own teeth’
