Want to know more about Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag? Discover their journey, dance achievements, and how you can dance alongside these BBC One Strictly professionals on a luxurious 5-star weekend. Table of contents

Having danced together professionally since 1997, Anton and Erin became one of Britain’s most recognisable and well-loved ballroom couples.
Their effortless partnership and passion for dance have seen them win championships, light up the BBC One Strictly Come Dancing stage, and share their expertise with dancers across the UK. Now, you have the unique chance to learn from the King of Ballroom himself on a luxurious 5-star weekend, adding a touch of Strictly sparkle to your own steps.
Meet Strictly’s Anton Du Beke
Known as the King of Ballroom, Anton Du Beke is not only a cherished British icon but also one of the most recognisable faces on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Since joining Strictly in 2004, Anton has danced with 18 celebrity partners, made it to the final, and in 2021 became a respected judge on the show.
His expertise and charm earned him the prestigious title of ‘Judge of the Year’ at the 2022 National Television Awards.
The 2026 series sees Anton return to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel for the fifth year running – fab-u-lous.


Quick Facts About Anton Du Beke
How old is Anton Du Beke?
59 years old (born 20th July 1966)
What is Anton Du Beke’s height?
1.8m tall
Where is Anton Du Beke from?
Sevenoaks, Kent
Is Anton Du Beke married?
Hands off, ladies! Anton married his beautiful wife Hannah Summers in 2017 after meeting at Wentworth Golf Club in 2012.
They have twins, George and Henrietta together.

Has Anton Du Beke written any books?
Yes. Anton is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has written numerous novels including One Enchanted Evening, Moonlight Over Mayfair, A Christmas to Remember, We’ll Meet Again, The Ballroom Blitz, The Paris Affair, A Dance for the King and The Winter Ball.
What is Anton Du Beke’s new book?
Anton’s latest book is Steps in Time: The Music, Memories and Moments that Made Me, his first full memoir. The book explores his childhood, early life, journey into dance and the experiences that shaped his career.
Pre-order your copy today amazon.co.uk/AntonDuBekeAMemoir

5* Weekend Breaks starring Anton Du Beke
Who better to learn to dance with, than the King of Ballroom himself – Anton du Beke
Not only can you learn to dance with these amazing professional dancers but you’ll see them perform their stunning dance showcase up close and personal.


📆 Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
📍 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
⌛ Early Bird £689pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
💃 Strictly Stars confirmed – Anton Du Beke, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
🛏️ Double, Twin, Deluxe & Deluxe View
✨ Over half the rooms already booked
⭐ Join Strictly Come Dancing Stars Anton Du Beke, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara, British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce, Argentine Tango Stars plus the Tony Greenwood Big Band at the impressive 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate ⭐


📆 Friday 16th – Sunday 18th April 2027
📍 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel & Spa, Newport
⌛ Early Bird £755pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
💃 Strictly Stars confirmed – Anton Du Beke, Kai Widdrington & Lauren Oakley, Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr, Giovanni Pernice, Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Team Warren & Kristi Boyce, Benjamin Turner and Lilia Fleming
🛏️ Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Suites & Signature Suites available
✨ Final 15 bedrooms remaining – don’t miss out!
⭐ Join Strictly Come Dancing Stars Anton Du Beke, Kai Widdrington & Lauren Oakley, Giovanni Pernice, Julian Caillon, British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Argentine Tango Stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, World, European and British U21 10-Dance Champions Benjamin Turner and Lilia Fleming, plus the Tony Greenwood Big Band at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel & Spa ⭐
Strictly’s Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag video chat about Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks…
Anton and Erin’s Reviews of Donaheys Weekend Breaks

Since 2004 Anton & Erin have attended Donahey’s Weekend Breaks, here’s what they say…
‘Paul, you organise the most wonderful events, thank you. We always look forward to Donahey’s events, well done.’ Erin Boag
‘Paul, you’re such a Superstar for organising such a fabulous event’ Anton Du Beke
Google Reviews of Donaheys Weekend Breaks

Anton Du Beke Frequently Asked Questions

What are Anton Du Beke’s greatest dance achievements?
Anton began dancing at 14, discovering his love for ballroom at 17. In 1997, he formed his legendary partnership with Erin Boag, leading to consecutive wins at the New Zealand Championships and the International Dance Championships at The Royal Albert Hall.
In 2002, they turned professional, catching the eye of the BBC and earning a place in Strictly Come Dancing history.
Beyond Strictly, Anton has presented shows like ‘Step Up to the Plate’ and ‘Hole in the Wall’, but his passion remains on the dance floor, sharing elegance and excellence with audiences.

Who is Anton’s professional dance partner?
It’s no-nonsense Erin Boag.
Which celebrities did Anton Du Beke dance with on Strictly?
| Year | Celebrity Partner | Position |
| 2004 (Series 1 Aired in May–July 2004) | Lesley Garrett | 3rd place – Reached the final |
| 2004 (Series 2 Aired in October–December 2004) | Esther Rantzen | 8th place – Eliminated in Week 3 |
| 2005 | Patsy Palmer | 5th – Eliminated Week 8 |
| 2006 | Jan Ravens | 9th – Eliminated Week 5 |
| 2007 | Kate Garraway | 8th – Eliminated Week 7 |
| 2008 | Gillian Taylforth | 15th – First eliminated |
| 2009 | Laila Rouass | 4th – Reached Week 12 |
| 2010 | Ann Widdecombe | 6th – Quarterfinalist, fan favourite |
| 2011 | Nancy Dell’Olio | 11th – Eliminated Week 5 |
| 2012 | Jerry Hall | 13th – Eliminated Week 3 |
| 2013 | Fiona Fullerton | 9th – Eliminated Week 8 |
| 2014 | Judy Murray | 9th – Eliminated Week 8 |
| 2015 | Katie Derham | 4th place – Reached the final |
| 2016 | Lesley Joseph | 11th – Eliminated Week 5 |
| 2017 | Ruth Langsford | 9th – Eliminated Week 8 |
| 2018 | Susannah Constantine | 15th – First eliminated |
| 2019 | Emma Barton | Runner-up – Reached the final |
| 2020 | Jacqui Smith | 12th – Eliminated Week 2 |
In 2019, Anton and Emma Barton reached the Strictly Final with standout dances, including a Viennese Waltz, a high-energy Charleston, and a show-stopping Showdance.
What’s Anton’s favourite dance?
Anton loves the Foxtrot.
When did Anton Du Beke join Strictly?
Anton has been on the show since its conception in 2004.
Did Anton Du Beke ever win Strictly Come Dancing?
Anton came amazingly close several times, including reaching the final with Katie Derham in 2015 and finishing third with Lesley Garrett, but sadly never lifted the Glitterball Trophy.
Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners

What is the name of Giovanni & Anton’s television show
Giovanni & Anton star in a second series of BBC ONE TV Travel series Anton and Giovanni: Adventures in Spain.
Available on BBC iPlayer, this three-part entertainment travel series sees Giovanni and fellow dancer Anton tour Spain.
This series follows on from their first successful TV series together Anton and Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily
Did Anton ever have a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Are you kidding? This man was born immaculately dressed. However, he did become entangled in Nancy Dell’Olio’s green feather boa during a Waltz in series 9.
Books By Author Anton Du Beke In Order
Since 2018 Anton has become a multiple Sunday Times Bestselling author, penning some fabulous dance-based fiction books.
Anton’s latest books are titled;
‘The Winter Ball’ – a page turning and epic wartime love story filled with drama, dance and romance;
‘Operation Tango’ – Anton’s action-packed children’s adventure follows two young heroes as they embark on a globe-trotting mission filled with mystery, excitement and unexpected twists.
‘The Paris Affair’ – A young dancer Ray Cohen arrives from London to compete at the Exhibition Paris. He is led astray by Hugo, a charismatic dancer born of the streets, who introduces him to the city’s nightlife and a beautiful stranger called Hannah Lindt. His life is forever changed.
‘Ballroom Blitz’ – The stunning novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Anton Du Beke. September 1940. As the skies split apart and bombs rain down on London, it’s all the staff at the famed Buckingham Hotel can do to keep their guests in the luxury they’re accustomed to, and evoke the magic of the Grand ballroom for them each night.
‘One Enchated Evening’ – Anton’s Sunday Times bestselling debut novel, introducing readers to the glamorous world of the Buckingham Hotel and launching his hugely successful series of historical fiction novels
his brand-new memoir Steps in Time: The Music, Memories and Moments that Made Me is one of the most anticipated dance books of the year.
Released in November 2026, Anton’s latest book takes readers on a personal journey through his childhood in the 1970s, his early dancing career, his rise to fame on Strictly Come Dancing and the people, music and moments that have shaped his remarkable life and career. https://www.amazon.co.uk/StepsInTime
Anton Du Beke’s books in order
- Anton’s Dance Class (2008)
- Ballroom Dance Class (2008)
- B Is For Ballroom (2012)
- One Enchanted Evening (2018)
- Moonlight Over Mayfair (2019)
- A Christmas to Remember (2020)
- We’ll Meet Again (2021)
- The Ballroom Blitz (2022)
- The Royal Show (2023)
- The Paris Affair (2023)
- A Dance for the King (2024)
- Code Name Foxtrot (2024)
- Monte Carlo by Moonlight (2025)
- Operation Tango: The New Mystery Adventure (2025)
- The Winter Ball (2025)
- Steps in Time: The Music, Memories and Moments that Made Me (Due to be released November 2026)
Learn more about Anton’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Erin Boag – Strictly Come Dancing Finalist 2005

Erin Boag, often called the Queen of Ballroom, partnered with Anton Du Beke to win the New Zealand Championships and became a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. She was the only female dancer to compete in 10 consecutive Strictly series, reaching the final in 2005 with Colin Jackson.
Erin began dancing at age three, studying ballet, jazz, tap, and ballroom. After partnering with Anton in 1997, they turned professional in 2002, achieving significant success before Erin stepped back from Strictly in 2013.
Speaking on her Strictly retirement Erin said;
‘After ten wonderful years, and with a truly heavy heart, I have decided to decline the BBC’s very kind offer to compete again in series eleven, and have withdrawn from being a competitive dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. It’s been a very hard decision to make, but it’s time for a change and to focus my attention on new challenges. That said, it’s not necessarily farewell to Strictly, as I do hope to continue being a part of the show.‘ Erin Boag – June 2013
How old is Erin?
51 years old (born 17th March 1975)
Where is Erin Boag from?
Auckland, New Zealand
Is Erin in a relationship?
As hilarious as it might be, Erin is not married to Anton. Erin is married to Peter O’Dowd and they have a son called Ewan.
What are Erin’s greatest dance achievements?
The Queen of Ballroom started dancing at age three and studied Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Latin and of course, Ballroom. By age 18 she was the New Zealand 10 Dance Champion. Following her partnership with Anton in 1997, they went on to win the New Zealand Championship two years running and the prestigious International Dance Championships at The Royal Albert Hall in London. After turning professional in 2002, the couple accrued numerous accolades and wins.
Who is Erin’s professional dance partner?
The one and only Anton Du Beke.
What’s Erin’s favourite dance?
Erin loves the Quickstep.
When did Erin join Strictly?
Like Anton, Erin started her Strictly journey back in 2004 when the series began. In fact, she’s Strictly’s longest-serving female professional dancer with 10 years under her sequin belt. She was also fondly known as ‘Miss Whiplash’ due to her no-nonsense teaching style.
Who has Erin danced with on Strictly?
Did Erin Boag ever win Strictly?
No. Despite 10 successful years on Strictly, Erin didn’t win the glitter ball before leaving in 2013.
Has Erin ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Seriously? Always the consummate professional, Erin has never had a costume mishap on Strictly.
Learn more about Erin’s dancing profile on her official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Discover more about BBC Strictly Come Dancing professionals Anton and Erin, checkout their official website
www.antonanderin.com
Checkout Erin Boag’s official website
www.erinboag.com
Take a look at Anton Du Beke’s official website
www.antondubeke.co.uk
Find out all about Giovanni Pernice & Anton Du Beke 2025 Tour ‘Together Again’
www.antonandgiovanni.com//
Find out all about Anton Du Beke 2025 Tour ‘At The Musicals’
https://www.antontour.com/tickets-dates
Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekends are not associated with BBC Studios
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood