Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has revealed how he nearly abandoned his dancing career before a crucial opportunity arose on the beloved BBC show.

Starting his dance journey relatively late in life, the 58-year-old admitted he was a "lunatic" who was "obsessed" with succeeding and proving his capabilities.

He began competing with fellow professional dancer Erin Boag, and after their introduction in 1997, they went on to claim the 1998 and 1999 New Zealand Championships.

When they turned professional three years later, they continued their victorious run.

However, Anton confessed he would become "upset" when they failed to win or faced harsh criticism, sometimes leaving him feeling "depressed", reports Wales Online .

Looking back on a particularly difficult time, he said:

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