Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has cleared up reports that professional dancer Anton Du Beke was upset when she landed her new job instead of him.
Motsi was announced as the replacement for Darcey Bussell earlier this year, and will be giving her first critiques when she joins the panel during the first live show this weekend.
When she was first confirmed for the job, The Sun claimed Anton privately “flew into a rage” at having been overlooked for a second time, although Motsi has now insisted that there are no hard feelings between herself and the long-serving professional dancer.
“It’s been fine… We’ve known Anton for quite a while,” she told Lorraine Kelly on Friday. “I met him and he’s such a gentleman.
“I don’t think it’s anything personal at all. Everyone gets to shine in their different ways.”
It was previously reported that Anton had been in the running to replace Len Goodman as Head Judge on the Strictly panel, though the job ultimately went to Shirley Ballas.
Anton is the only pro dancer to have been with Strictly since its first series, and has been teamed up with soap actress Emma Barton for this year’s run.
Looking ahead to the new series, Anton recently said: “I’m very excited about this one… She’s an absolute dream and, I’ve got to be honest, younger than I’m used to.
“And she’s got her own teeth. That’ll do for me.”
Lorraine airs every weekday from 8.30am on ITV.