‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Anton Du Beke Receives Further Backing For Judging Panel Role

'He has great banter, he’s effortlessly funny and the viewers love him.'

Judy Murray has backed her ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ partner Anton Du Beke for the judging panel, following the news that Len Goodman will depart after this series.

Anton has already been named favourite to take over from the head judge, but every little helps, and Judy is pretty certain that the pro would make a fantastic addition to the panel.

Open Image Modal
Anton Du Beke
Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP

Speaking to Digital Spy, she explained: “I think he would make a tremendous judge.

Judy’s the latest in a long line of former ‘Strictly’ stars to discuss the matter, and others to do so include Arlene Phillips and Alesha Dixon.

Open Image Modal
Anton and Judy have remained friends since being paired together on the show
Philip Toscano/PA Wire

While Alesha has ruled out returning, and called for the BBC to just have a panel of three, Arlene is keen to resume her role.

Meanwhile, the line-up for this year’s series is currently being announced and celebs confirmed so far include Ed Balls, Will Young and presenter Laura Whitmore.

BBC Sport’s Ore Oduba and former ‘Xtra Factor’ presenter Melvin Odom will also be getting their dancing shoes on.

The rest of the line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.

'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016: All The Rumoured Contestants
Robert 'Judge Rinder' Rinder(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
A rumour we're praying is true just to see him going head to head with Craig Revel Horwood every week, the daytime staple is said to be on producers' wishlists. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Cheryl Baker(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
The only woman we think of when we hear 'Cheryl' and 'national treasure' in the same sentence, the former Bucks Fizz singer is said to have been courted by 'Strictly' for a number of years. (credit:Ross Gilmore via Getty Images)
Paul Burrell(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
After appearing in the 'I'm A Celebrity' jungle and a house guest on 'Celebrity Big Brother', the former royal butler is now tipped to be giving 'Strictly' a try. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Angelica Bell(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
According to a report from June, Angelica is the first celebrity 'confirmed' for the 'Strictly' line-up. However, given the show was still months away at that point, we'll have to wait and see. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eamonn and Ruth - pictured here in a rather swanky photo from the NTAs - were chosen specifically by Craig Revel Horwood as his picks for this year's line-up.

He says: 'Wouldn’t it be great to have a husband and wife team on the show? It would be fantastic. But they’d be very competitive - the arguments at home...'
(credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Debbie McGee(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Debbie has said she'd love to take part in 'Strictly' in memory of her late husband, Paul Daniels, who was also a past contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Ryan Thomas(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
The former 'Coronation Street' actor has a lot of time on his hands now he's bid farewell to the cobbles - sparking speculation he's about to follow in former co-star Georgia May Foote's footsteps (or should that be footesteps?) (no it should probably be footsteps). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Tameka Empson(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Soap stars have become as integral a part as 'Strictly' as body glitter and Bruno Tonioli's exaggerated hand movements, so rumours of Tameka Empson's appearance could well have a grain of truth in them. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Måns Zelmerlöw(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Following his successful stint hosting Eurovision in 2016 (and performing a year earlier), BBC bosses were reported to be keen for Måns to appear on 'Strictly', with a source describing him as 'very good-looking' and 'eye candy'. (credit:IBL/REX/Shutterstock)
Michaela Strachan(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
There are always a few BBC stars thrown into the mix when the 'Strictly' line-up is announced, and 'Springwatch' host Michaela is thought to be the latest. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Michelle Dockery(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
'Strictly' bosses are said to be 'desperate' to sign up former 'Downton Abbey' actress Michelle, particularly now she's no longer associated with ITV. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Charlotte Crosby(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Possibly hoping to ride the wave that Vicky Pattison created with her 'I'm A Celebrity' appearance, Charlotte is now hoping she can turn things around for herself with a stint on 'Strictly'.

She's even encouraged her fans to set up a petition on Twitter for the BBC to consider her for the show.
(credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

Before You Go