STRICTLY Come Dancing professional-turned-judge Anton Du Beke brushed off the recent drama surrounding his role on the BBC show as he took to the stage with Giovanni Pernice.

It was a special day for the dad of two – who celebrated turning 58 in Wales – during the pair’s tour, Anton and Giovanni: TogetherSign up for the TV newsletter

Anton Du Beke put the current Strictly Come Dancing drama to one side as he hit the stageCredit: supplied

Anton and ex Strictly show star Giovanni Pernice are currently on tour, with their latest event in Llandudno, north Wales on SaturdayCredit: Supplied

The crowds gathered for the Anton and Giovanni: Together event sung Happy Birthday to the dad of two who turned 58Credit: supplied

It will have proved a spot of light relief for Anton who is facing a misconduct probe for conduct on the BBC programmeCredit: Eroteme
His celebrations came after The Sun reported how Anton would now face a legal probe over a historic row with former celebrity partner Laila Rouass, 53, and what has been dubbed “1970s behaviour.”

His best pal Giovanni, 33, quit the BBC show earlier this year.

He is currently under investigation by the BBC over misconduct after complaints were filed by several of his former celebrity dance partners.

The same investigation also saw his fellow Italian professional Graziano Di Prima axed after allegations of “physical incidents” towards show partner Zara McDermott, 27.

Yet as he focussed on his latest dance show, Anton enjoyed some respite from the scandals.

He was seen on-stage in north Wales wrapping the show with Giovanni, before the crowd sung Happy Birthday to him.

Giovanni led the dance fans in their vocals and enjoyed a playful jig with Anton as the song ended.

The ticket-holders were then quick to reward the duo – dressed in matching bowler hats and sparkling black shirts – with a huge round of applause.

Anton posted a clip of the emotional moment to his page on X and wrote: “Ah, my loves, such a wonderful birthday serenade from Llandudno!

“Thank you to everyone who has sent me birthday wishes today.

“All my love, Anton XX.”

Social media users this week dug up Anton’s 2009 comment — made  in response to Laila having a spray tan — and asked why he wasn’t sacked.

Laila stormed out of at the time. Anton, 58, later apologised. BBC bosses stood by him and in 2021 made him a £200,000-a-year judge.

He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday

The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.

She has been inundated with support, and is said to be considering legal action.

One source said: “Anton has a very 1970s attitude and can  be abrasive.

“The lines are becoming increasingly blurred  as to what is acceptable or not, and of course, some people have found him  fine to work with.

“But there were murmurings of discontent when he was a dancer. Yet the BBC promoted him. It is all quite strange.”

A source close to Anton said: “His comment was dealt with at the time and he wants to move on.”

Meanwhile, Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas has thrown her support behind Anton after he was the “fourth name in the misconduct probe.”

Shirley – who works closely alongside Anton – took to her Instagram account to send her love on his special day.

Posting a snap of the pair together, Shirley said: “Happiest of birthdays to the king @mrantondubeke.

“See you very soon.”

The star then shared a video of the two dancing on the floor of the BBC set.

Anton joined the BBC dance show for its first series in 2004.

He became part of the judging panel in 2019.

Anton, seen here with Emma Barton, is the fourth Strictly star involved in the probeCredit: BBC Pictures’ Digital Picture

Giovanni quit the show earlier this year after he was under investigation by the BBCCredit: Rex

Recently, Anton’s crude comments towards Laila Rouass came to lightCredit: BBC