Anton du Beke has given his verdict on this year's Strictly Come Dancing contestants.
The launch show will be aired on Friday on the BBC as 15 new celebrities including Helen Skelton, Kym Marsh and Will Mellor amongst other names take to the dancefloor for the first time. Excitement is building for the upcoming series as the celebrities don their sparkly outfits and start off on their journey on the BBC One Latin and ballroom show.
Ahead of the new series, Anton has given his verdict on the celebrities' performances so far and teased they are a great crop of contestants. Describing them as "tremendous", he revealed the bar has been set high this year.
Speaking to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield about the upcoming crop of celebrities during an appearance on ITV's This Morning, he said: "Brilliant, brilliant! Of course, as everyone knows we've already filmed the launch show which airs on Friday.
"We saw the group number, where everybody gets together and dances. All the professionals and new celebrities get together."
He added: "Over the years, it's been one of these things you watch through a squinty eye and go 'oh no' and it's all been a bit - I hope I don't get that one over there. But it was actually quite good! We went, oh hello, this is tremendous!"
It comes after Anton expressed his excitement at being made a permanent judge as Bruno Tonioli stepped down.
"Woohooo! This is BRILLIANT news. Everyone knows how much I absolutely love the show and I’m utterly delighted to be continuing as a regular judge. And I get to make the final again - now I know how Giovanni feels!" he quipped.
Head judge Shirley Ballas added of her return: "Being a judge on Strictly is such a joy and honour for me, and I can’t wait to be back at the studio waving my paddle. Every year the wonderful production team surpass themselves and I know they have some brilliant plans in store for 2022. I’m so excited to get started."
Bruno admitted he "missed" the show so much - and didn't rule out coming back one day.
"I miss it so much. Because of the travel situation I cannot guarantee I’m going to be there. They need continuity, it's my decision and I think Anton has done a fantastic job and he deserves to be on that seat," he said.
"Anton you have done a fantastic job, you deserve it. Carry on, do me proud but you’ve done it for me anyway."
*Strictly Come Dancing launches on Friday evening.
