BBC Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton du Beke aims two-word swipe at ITV rival

Strictly Come Dancing's Anton du Beke has candidly expressed his thoughts on ITV's rival show.

The 58-year-old has been a part of Strictly for two decades, first as a professional dancer and more recently as a judge. He says he feels "so proud" to be one of the three original members of the show, alongside Tess Daly and Craig Revel Horwood.

Despite Strictly's popularity leading Anton to explore other reality shows, such as presenting and competing in Hole in the Wall in 2008, he has dismissed any possibility of participating in I'm A Celebrity or Dancing on Ice. He explained why fans won't see him in the jungle or on ice skates.

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In an interview with Woman magazine, he confessed: "I couldn't do I'm A Celebrity because I'm so arachnophobic - there was a spider near me this morning and I ran around like a seven-year-old girl. In fact, my daughter who is seven looked at me as if I was losing my head and said, 'Daddy, what's wrong with you, it's only a spider?'.

"So no, I couldn't do I'm A Celeb, I'd be hysterical. Dancing on Ice I think is terribly dangerous, people keep doing themselves in. I don't want to do anything that hurts."

Anton also shared his thoughts on what makes Strictly successful. He lauded the show as "endearing" and "joyous", believing that audiences appreciate its unique blend of fun and serious competitive dancing.

Anton Du Beke, speaking on his experience with Strictly, highlighted the vitality that new celebrities bring to the dance floor each year, remarking that it contributes to the show's "feel fresh" vibe. He expressed fond memories of dancing on the series but conveyed contentment