what do you mean, BouncyC?

That's a good point. Posters have said that we need Anton to partner the older ladies, but what about the older celebrity men. Doesn't seem to be a problem partnering them with young female pros.

The show has been running since 2004. Who danced with the older celebs back then? Step up Anton du Beke, then 12 years younger (he's now 50).
To be honest, I don't see why an older partner is really necessary for the older celebs. In fact, of all the 'older' celebs I've seen on the show, I think the best were Pamela Stephenson and Cherie Lunghi, neither of whom were partnered by Anton or Brendan but by Mr Marmite himself, James Jordan.
It's a prestigious show and there are lots of professional dancers around. All of them should be capable of mentoring a celeb of any age or ability and bringing out the best in them. It's reached the stage where partnering someone with Anton is tantamount to pinning a badge on them saying "This year's no-hoper".
Yes, some people are far more likely to reach the final than others, but let's make the playing field a little more level, and if we're going to pension off the female dancers let's move on Anton and Brendan, too. I've nothing against them, but are they really so much more entertaining than Ian Waite or Matthew Cutler were? I don't think so.

I think thats exactly the reason they are still there, a bit of stability.

Anton is well past his sell by date (and I hope he doesn't end up as a Judge, after missing out on the Brucie wannabee role), Brendan has a couple more years, but has seemed a bit disinterested for the last couple of seasons.

Whatever about Anton I think Brendan has gotten his mojo back this year. He is engaged and clearly having a ball with Anastasia. It's lovely to see.

I am one of the older demographic and I can't stand Anton Du Beke, even his "new" name annoys me!! He is so false and totally loves himself. I couldn't care less what age the professional dancers are as long as they are up to the job. Although Anton is an excellent ballroom dancer most of his latin routines at excruciatingly embarrassing.

If he ever got a job on Strictly as a judge or presenter I think I would have to switch off.

There's not really a choice though, is there? The ladies all seem to want to 'retire' (from Strictly if not from dancing altogether) long before their vintage years. Karen Hardy stuck it out until she was 38 but I don't think any other female pro has even come close to that.

Yeah I think 'retire' is the right way to put it. I imagine as soon as the female pros reach middle to late 30s they are on borrowed time. I'm sure that if the producers put feelers out though, there would be plenty of more mature female pros that would jump at the chance at getting a contract.

Kristina was 38 when she retired.

Erin was 37 during her last series and 38 when she announced she was leaving. It does seem to be a bit of an "upper ceiling".

If this recent article is to be believed, Lalia included.

http://tv.bt.com/tv/strictly-2016/st...11364097718782

Anton is so fit he could easily go on for another 5 or 10 years.

For comic relief purposes. At them, not with them - of course.

I'd be happy if both left, its about time.

That is insulting to the older celebs . There is no reason why AJ couldn't partner Lesley . In fact it would be a far better indication of his ability as a teacher and I bet Lesley wouldn't mind .

That's my fear!

Your fear is my delight.

Engaged? He's been married for a few years now. Got engaged back when he was partnered with Lisa Snowdon. Or do you mean Anton is engaged?

I took it to mean he's engaged/involved in the partnership

Oh, ok. If it's that type of engaged then I would agree he seems up for it.
He's prob not been as blatantly up for it since he was with Sophie (who he often quotes as his fav dance partner).

As has been said before, they are extremely popular. Many fans of the show could probably only name Anton. Many of us think he is a fabulous dancer, many of us think he is as good at Latin as some of the pros are at ballroom. I love Brendan nowadays and he is one of my favourites.

Some of us couldn't stick Artem or Gleb but, if they had stayed, I hope we wouldn't keep banging on about how they should go. We need a mix of pros IMO.

I have visions of Anton doing Strictly on a mobility scooter, he won't ever leave!

Yes that's what I meant.

They are like traditional British cuisine - nothing special in comparison with others but somehow reassuring.