Strictly Come Dancing's Anton du Beke addresses exit speculation

Anton Du Beke has been on Strictly Come Dancing since the beginning, and historically he's been paired up with the weaker celebrities, often going out of the competition within the first few weeks.

But this year Anton was paired with EastEnders star Emma Barton and made it all the way to the final. They didn't win, but they've done well enough for the tabloids to report that he is going to quit and go out 'on a high'.

In response to these reports, a representative for the dancer simply told that Hello that the rumours were "complete nonsense."

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Although he didn't win this year, Anton is over the moon to have made it so far with Emma, posting on Instagram that: "Ah, we came so very close!!!

"What tremendous #StrictlyFinal winners: @kelvin_fletcher & @OtiMabuse danced magnificently - not just last night, but every single week! First class performances for a top class final - congratulations!!!

"Strictly 2019 has been the most wonderful experience, quite simply because of @TheEmmaBarton - my Strictly Queen of Ballroom, my Grand Finalist, my dance partner… my friend. Emma put her heart & soul into every dance, each a pure joy to perform with her. She's my winner!

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"Extra special thanks to everyone who voted for us, supported us, and cheered us on along the way!

"Your votes kept us dancing week on week, right to the very end, and have meant the world to us! I so hope you've enjoyed our dances as much as we have.

"Huge thanks for all your encouragement, appreciation and kind words, my loves - you're the best!"

Strictly Come Dancing returns for its Christmas special on December 25 at 4.40pm. You can find out BBC One's entire Christmas Day schedule here.

Next year, you can join Strictly stars Darcey Bussell, Pasha Kovalev and Anton Du Beke on Good Housekeeping’s exclusive European river cruises. FIND OUT MORE