Anton Du Beke Shares Passion For Storytelling at Literary Festival

Anton Du Beke, the well-known judge from the television series “Strictly Come Dancing,” captivated audiences at the Henley Literary Festival with insights into his journey from dancer to author. In an engaging talk on Sunday evening, Du Beke discussed his latest fictional novel and emphasized his lifelong passion for storytelling.

Despite his fame as a dancer, Du Beke expressed a desire for his literary works to stand on their merits. “I didn’t want people to buy my book because they liked the way I danced,” he noted to the crowd. “I wanted my books to be great on their own.” This statement aligns with his dedication to creating compelling narratives, reflected in his penchant for historical fiction.

During his talk, Du Beke shared with the audience how storytelling has always been a vital part of his life, even inspiring his dance career. “I always wanted to do stories, and dancing was a great avenue to tell stories through,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of narrative. He drew inspiration for his seven novels from stories he had heard about dancers, weaving them into historical contexts.

His most recent novel, “A Dance for the King,” is a historical tale set in 1942 London. It follows a British soldier entangled in a plot to protect the King. Du Beke revealed his preference for historical fiction, citing a fascination with the everyday life complexities of past eras, contrasting them with modern conveniences.

Unfazed by the fact that many attendees had not yet read his books, Du Beke entertained the audience with dance tutorials, showcasing his favorite, the foxtrot. He also acknowledged fellow author Robert Harris, who also specializes in historical fiction. Harris had previously spoken at the festival about his new novel, “Precipice,” which is based on a historical political affair.

The Henley Literary Festival, which features The Independent as a media partner for the second consecutive year, continues until October 6, promising more thought-provoking literary conversations and insights.