I mean, really? She'd rather stay a chambermaid and working all hours in a homeless shelter, than go to Hollywood? She thinks her volunteer work is more important than helping the man she loves achieve the dream he's been working towards all his life? Everything was about moving forwards, I felt sorry for my mum, this was her husband, she’s working two jobs and he chose to drink and be violent, it’s just life and you carry on,” he said. In 2009 he presented the United Kingdom version of Hole in the Wall for the BBC, replacing Dale Winton, after being a team captain in 2008. In November 2017 he released his debut studio album, From the Top, on Polydor Records. It reached number 21 on the UK Albums Chart. The plot moved along well for the most part, there were a few times where it dragged slightly, especially at the beginning, but then there is an event (no spoilers) and the entire story just shoots forward at a fantastic pace that is maintained throughout. I loved that the romance element was not obvious from the get go and slowly developed into what it became. I also appreciated the fact that the book ended where it did with their relationship. The revelation about Helene was also interesting, and the fact that it was hinted at early in the book meant that I had an “of course” moment. To be frank, I probably would have liked this because I love Strictly, enjoy the entity that is Mr Du Beke and am a tad partial to a meaty historical saga, however, I am delighted to say, with all sincerity, this is a very enjoyable read. It’s a good, stylish, with more than a soupçon of charm. Rather like Mr Du Beke himself. Recommended.

Anton Du Beke is better known for his fantastic dancing prowess in "Strictly Come Dancing" and for being a well respected television personality. "One Enchanted Evening" is his first debut novel featuring glitz, glamour, scandal and secrets set in 1936 in a fabulous London hotel focusing on its magnificent and opulent ballroom.As an historian, I loved the insight into the 1930s London in the period of the coronation of King George VI and the lead up to the Second World War. The book evokes the same nostalgia as Downton Abbey and Gosford Park, and I could easily imagine this to be made into a Sunday night series. In March 2007 Du Beke was a contestant on the BBC Two series The Underdog Show and was paired with homeless dog Ginger. They were eliminated in week three of the competition. [ citation needed] Perfectly written, easy to follow and very addictive, I’m more than happy to recommend Anton and his fashionably historical romance sagas set during the 1930’s. On the whole I enjoyed One Enchanted Evening, I felt like I left my worries and cares aside for the time I was immersed in this novel. It did lag a little in places, the timing wasn’t quite right and I didn’t feel the love story completely, but I was willing to overlook this for the sparkling world Anton du Beke recreated. With hotels jostling for superior status, the underground life of dancers and staff of this opulent establishment, the glamour as well as hardships of 1930s Britain was laid out well. The deco decoration at the start of each chapter sets the scene for the ball room and grand hotel where all the action occurs. I enjoyed reading about Raymond de Guise in his first outing and had been looking forward to this follow up, however this second novel felt somewhat rushed and I didn’t feel much for any of the characters this time around.

Strictly Come Dancing: Anton Du Beke apologises over racist term". The Guardian. 5 October 2009 . Retrieved 30 December 2020. Du Beke also highlights the political minefield of the era in which this novel is set. There are plenty of name drops in the novel, both British and international royalty are mentioned. These were my favourite parts. I liked how Du Beke covered the time of King Edward and his eventual abdication, the unrest felt at the time, and the new incoming King. Right from the book cover to the delightful and endearing characters this book oozes class and warmth. In September 2020, Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice announced a 2021 UK Tour "HIM & ME". [23] Philanthropy [ edit ] McIntosh, Steven (2 August 2023). "Anton Du Beke: Strictly judge reveals he was stabbed by his father as a child". BBC News . Retrieved 3 August 2023.I doubt the novel would work as well as it does if read as a stand-alone, with much of the enjoyment coming from seeing how far the characters who came to life in the first novel fare in the second. And with another instalment in the pipeline I can only recommend readers follow this one from the start! Norfolk, Pam (23 August 2022). "We'll Meet Again by Anton Du Beke: Nostalgia, suspense, romance and intrigue – book review –". www.lep.co.uk . Retrieved 5 October 2022. Garraway said Du Beke’s father was cleared in court of wounding his son and when he died, Du Beke did not attend his funeral. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge, The Halcyon and Belgravia. The master entertainer brings us his fabulous debut novel. Prepare to be swept off your feet.... Recalling the incident, he continued: “…I got stabbed in the leg and in the stomach because of a fight on Boxing Day and it was an idiotic situation.