Anton Will Return To Strictly

Anton du Beke will reportedly return to Strictly Come Dancing this year, following speculation that he may be axed alongside Brendan Cole.

The Sun reports that Brendan is the only pro not to have his contract renewed.

A source told the paper: "Brendan is the only major name not returning. Anton will be back again this year. He is now the only dancer who has been around since the very first series, but he’s a big character and the show wouldn’t feel the same without him. He’s also been much more relaxed about missing out on the spot on the judging panel than Brendan was.”

The Sun also alleges that it was the judges who requested Brendan's removal from the pro line-up.

A source told the paper that it was Brendan's on-air spat with head judge Shirley Ballas over his tango with Charlotte Hawkins that was the catalyst: "He sulked rather than apologised after the show. Everyone told him 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you'. But his stubbornness got the better of him. The judges and show bosses had to put up with a lot over the years, but doing it to Shirley was a step too far. It was after that moment that the judges said: 'Off with his head'. They told bosses - it's him or the show. They had simply had enough. And Brendan was the last to know."