Anton du Beke joins judging panel for The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief

The judges will feature in the final episode of the four-part series, when the six contestants and their professional dance partners will perform for the nation in the famous Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. 

Craig Revel-Horwood, who is unable to take part in the studio show owing to prior commitments in Australia, will also feature prominently in the series.

Anton du Beke says: “Having been a part of this wonderful show ever since series one, I know all too well what it’s like to perform to the nation on the famous Strictly Come Dancing dance floor. I’m delighted to be joining the judging panel in aid of Comic Relief, and I’m looking forward to giving my help and advice to the contestants and their professional partners" 

The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief will see six everyday heroes and heroines fulfil every Strictly fan’s dream, as they go behind the scenes at the nation’s favourite show and embark on their very own Strictly experience. 

The series will consist of four pre-recorded programmes, presented by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The first two heart-warming episodes will introduce the contestants as they get the surprise of their lives and set out on their incredible Strictly journey. 

In episode three, after several weeks of training, the contestants will visit Craig Revel-Horwood on the set of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, where they will perform their routines for the very first time. Craig will offer them some tips and guidance for them to work on over the coming weeks. 

Craig said: “I’m a big supporter of Comic Relief and The People’s Strictly will be fab-U-lous! Sadly I can’t be at the studio recording but I’m really looking forward to meeting the contestants and you can count on me to give them some honest feedback for them to work on ahead of their big performance.” 

Episode four will see all six contestants compete on the famous Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, as they vie for the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes. The judges’ scores will be for guidance only, and the public will have the deciding vote. 

Voting lines will open once all couples have danced and the winner of the public vote will then be crowned The People’s Strictly champion as part of the live Red Nose Day night of TV on BBC One on Friday 13 March. The money raised from the show will be spent helping to change the lives of poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and across Africa.

The series will also follow Darcey Bussell as she visits a number of Comic Relief funded projects in Kenya, to show how the money raised this Red Nose Day could help change lives.