Strictly's Anton Du Beke shares brutal opinion about 'awful' former dance partners

Anton Du Beke, who has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing for 20 years, has paired up with a number of memorable names, such as Ann Widdecombe and Nancy Dell'Olio

Anton Du Beke has shared his brutal opinion about the ability of his former dance partners on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Strictly judge was previously a dancer on the show and has been paired up with a number of recognisable names over the years, including Ruth Langsford, Ann Widdecombe, Lesley Joseph and Nancy Dell'Olio.

However, when it comes to sharing his opinions on his former dance partners, Anton, who was often paired with older women, isn't afraid to hold back, reports The Times.

Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the 58-year-old reflected on their dancing ability and shared his honest opinion in the "nicest way", but added that "it is what it is".

Anton said: "I say this in the nicest way but none of them are 25. They can't dance, even when they are good it is awful."

He later added: "They are wonderful, interesting, fabulous, brilliant, funny, intelligent women who I enjoyed every second with, but it is what it is."

It wouldn't be the first time that Anton has aimed a swipe at his ex-dance partners. Only last month, the much-loved judge opened up about the current series of the iconic BBC show on This Morning.

Cat Deeley quizzed him about his thoughts on the start of the show and described it as "phenomenal", to which Anton replied that the dancing was "really quite good", reports WalesOnline.

When co-host Ben Shephard prompted him to elaborate, Anton said it's week one and "normally, they're awful". He went on to say that he's danced with "some who couldn't even remember their own names, let alone the steps".

It was reported earlier this month that the Strictly favourite, who became a judge after Bruno Tonioli left the show, has no plans on retiring as he approaches his 60th birthday.

He said he felt "honoured and thrilled" to be part of the show, having appeared on Strictly for 20 years. Anton told Woman's Weekly that he will "never retire" and highlighted how Brucie "was doing his thing right until his 80s".

Anton has also previously explained how Strictly is now the only "terrestrial" thing that his kids will watch, as they generally prefer streaming platforms, including Netflix.