STRICTLY Come Dancing professional-turned-judge Anton Du Beke brushed off the recent drama surrounding his role on the BBC show as he took to the stage with Giovanni Pernice.
It was a special day for the dad of two – who celebrated turning 58 in Wales – during the pair’s tour, Anton and Giovanni: Together.
His celebrations came after The Sun reported how Anton would now face a legal probe over a historic row with former celebrity partner Laila Rouass, 53, and what has been dubbed “1970s behaviour.”
His best pal Giovanni, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.
He is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.
The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.
Yet as he focussed on his latest dance show, Anton enjoyed some respite from the scandals.
He was seen on-stage in north Wales wrapping the show with Giovanni, before the crowd sung Happy Birthday to him.
Giovanni led the dance fans in their vocals and enjoyed a playful jig with Anton as the song ended.
The ticket-holders were then quick to reward the duo – dressed in matching bowler hats and sparkling black shirts – with a huge round of applause.
Anton posted a clip of the emotional moment to his page on X and wrote: “Ah, my loves, such a wonderful birthday serenade from Llandudno!
“Thank you to everyone who has sent me birthday wishes today.
“All my love, Anton XX.”
Social media users this week dug up Anton‘s 2009 comment — made in response to Laila having a spray tan — and asked why he wasn’t sacked.
Laila stormed out of at the time. Anton, 58, later apologised. BBC bosses stood by him and in 2021 made him a £200,000-a-year judge.
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
She has been inundated with support, and is said to be considering legal action.
One source said: “Anton has a very 1970s attitude and can be abrasive.
“The lines are becoming increasingly blurred as to what is acceptable or not, and of course, some people have found him fine to work with.
“But there were murmurings of discontent when he was a dancer. Yet the BBC promoted him. It is all quite strange.”
A source close to Anton said: “His comment was dealt with at the time and he wants to move on.”
Meanwhile, Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas has thrown her support behind Anton after he was the “fourth name in the misconduct probe.”
Shirley – who works closely alongside Anton – took to her Instagram account to send her love on his special day.
Posting a snap of the pair together, Shirley said: “Happiest of birthdays to the king @mrantondubeke.
“See you very soon.”
The star then shared a video of the two dancing on the floor of the BBC set.
Anton joined the BBC dance show for its first series in 2004.
He became part of the judging panel in 2019.
