Anton Du Beke Confirmed as Special Guest at Southport Flower Show

Strictly Come Dancing favourite is joining us at Southport Flower Show

We are delighted to confirm thatAnton Du Bekewill be joining us at next year’s show on Saturday 22ndAugust.

Anton Du Bekeis a British ballroom dancer, television presenter, author and entertainer best known for his long-running role onBBC One’sStrictly Come Dancing. From his early career as a professional dancer to becoming a judge on one of the UK’s most popular TV shows, Anton has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most respected and recognisable performers. 

Anton Du Beke was born to a Hungarian father, Antal and an English mother, Ascensión. Raised in a working-class family in Sevenoaks, Kent, he developed an early fascination with dance and began training in ballroom and Latin styles during his teenage years. He attended Wildernesse School before leaving at sixteen to pursue dancing full-time.

Determined and disciplined from the outset, Anton balanced various part-time jobs while dedicating countless hours to his training. He competed in dance events across the UK, gradually establishing the foundation for his professional career.

Anton Du Beke began dancing professionally in the 1990s, specialising in ballroom and Latin dance. During this period, he competed in numerous championships and earned a reputation for his classic technique, precision, and elegant style.

In 2004, Anton joined the original line-up of professional dancers onStrictly Come Dancing.Over nearly two decades on the show, he partnered with a wide range of celebrities, including Lesley Garrett, Patsy Palmer, Ann Widdecombe, Katie Derham, and Emma Barton.

Although he never won theStrictlyglitterball trophy as a dancer, his charm, humour, and traditional ballroom expertise made him one of the programme’s most popular and enduring professionals.

After seventeen years as a professional dancer, Anton Du Beke joined theStrictly Come Dancingjudging panel in 2021, alongside Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, and Motsi Mabuse. His deep knowledge of dance and supportive approach quickly made him a favourite among viewers.

Outside ofStrictly,Anton has appeared on numerous British television programmes, includingThe One Show,This Morning,LorraineandPointless Celebrities. He has also hosted and toured his own live stage productions, blending dance, music, and storytelling for audiences across the UK.

Beyond television, Anton Du Beke is an accomplished author and singer. His debut novel,One Enchanted Evening,was published in 2018. Set in a glamorous 1930s London hotel, it became aSunday Timesbestseller and inspired a series of follow-up novels exploring themes of dance, romance, and ambition.

He has also released several music albums celebrating the golden age of swing and big band music, reflecting his lifelong love of classic performance and entertainment.

Alan Adams, General Manager of Southport Flower Show said “Anton opened the show back in 2014. He was a real hit back then and we can’t wait for our visitors to meet him again and enjoy his two Q&As on the day. Your ticket price into the show includes entry into the Garden Theatre to see him but it's going to be a full house, so come early if you want a good spot!”

Anton will joinBBC Gardeners’ WorldpresenterAdam Frostin next year’s special guest line-up with lots more exciting announcements in the New Year.

The show which is a registered charity (charity no. 1000698) is the largest independent flower show in the country and will return next year on Thursday 20th– Sunday 23rdAugust. Early bird tickets are now on sale along with a range of hospitality options. Visit our website for more informationwww.southportflowershow.co.uk.