Anton Du Beke confesses he 'doesn't recognise half the celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing' as he reflects on the BBC show after scandal-hit year liennhi

Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has revealed the one big difference he has seen in the BBC show from when it first started. 

The judge, who started on the show as a professional dancer, said that while 'in the old days of Strictly, we used to know everybody' who went on it as a celebrity, he now doesn't 'know half the people who come on'.

Speaking to The Times, Anton clarified: 'But they all turn out to be marvellous. For example, I didn't know of Tasha Ghouri, but she was extraordinarily fabulous. I had no idea who Joe Sugg was either.'

Anton also compared celebrities who compete in the show compared to those on reality TV, he explained: 'Strictly is not Love Island. There's no point seeing gorgeous 25-year-olds dancing fabulously. We want the celebrity partners to reflect the people who watch the show.'

Anton also said that the 2024 series was the 'best' the show has been in its 20 years following the misconduct allegations from 2023 series. 

He added: 'Strictly 2024 was the best it’s ever been. It was excellent. With all that went on in the summer'.

Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has revealed the one big difference he has seen in the BBC show from when it first started

The judge, who started on the show as a professional dancer, said that while 'in the old days of Strictly, we used to know everybody' who went on it as a celebrity, he now doesn't 'know half the people who come on'

The BBC show saw Chris McCausland and his pro partner Dianne Buswell win the 2024's champions after he history as the show's first ever blind contestant.

Chris, 47, pipped fellow finalists Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill and Sarah Hadland to the post in the 'best ever' final.

The BBC Latin and ballroom show returned screens in the Autumn amid a major scandal and a shock NTA win upon its 20th anniversary.

Throughout 2024, Strictly was embroiled in a scandal which all started when Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington accused her partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying.

A months-long investigation was started up by the broadcaster, and the professional was not invited back onto this series.

Giovanni was cleared of ten out of Amanda's 16 allegations when the BBC probe concluded in September but remained absent for the latest edition of the series.

Anton clarified: 'But they all turn out to be marvellous. For example, I didn't know of Tasha Ghouri, but she was extraordinarily fabulous. I had no idea who Joe Sugg was either'; pictured Tasha and partner Aljaz 

Anton also said that the 2024 series was the 'best' the show has been in its 20 years as Chris McCausland won the series following the misconduct allegations from 2023 series; pictured Chris and pro partner Dianne Buswell

It was revealed last week that Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are preparing to sign new contracts to continue to host the show for the next two seasons. 

The Traitors' Claudia, 52, and Tess, 55, have seen the end to their current contracts and it is reported that show executives are keen for their return, according to the Sun. 

It is said that BBC bosses are eager for the pair, who have fronted the show for over a decade, to sign their contracts in case a rival broadcast tries to sign them on. 

A TV source told the publication: 'This isn't just a sign of the faith that the BBC has in the presenting duo, it also signals the commitment the corporation has to the show itself.

'They're looking to the future after the past 12 months which have been dogged by claims of misbehaviour behind the scenes by pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima.

'Now bosses want to draw a line under this troubled chapter in Strictly's history and focus on the positives - which includes having two women fronting the biggest show on TV, which is something the BBC are very proud of.'