He is the last of the original Strictly professionals to still be strutting his stuff on the dance floor every Saturday night.
But could this weekend’s final on BBC1 be the year Anton Du Beke finally lifts the glitterball with Emma Barton?
Strictly contestants Katie Derham, Kate Garraway, Esther Rantzen, Ann Widdecombe and Lesley Garrett tell us why they loved dancing with him. And we look back on his other partners...
Katie Derham
The newsreader, 49, who reached the final four with Anton in 2015, said: “I had the most fabulous time.
“We became firm friends, and I’ve been so thrilled to see him having such a wonderful time with Emma.
“I am rooting for them to lift the glitterball! I can’t wait to see their show dance.
“We had pyrotechnics and I fell backwards off a platform to Carmina Burana... it was epic, but I’m confident they’ll top it!”
Kate Garraway
The presenter, 52, sent him a message of support, saying: “Never has someone deserved to win after all the struggles you had with me.
“The second they called out our names on Saturday night I’d say, “Which foot do we start with again?” I knew your heart sank!
“You are such a perfect gentleman you never showed it. You have been entertaining the nation for 15 years, it’s about time you lifted that glitterball.”
Ann Widdecombe
The ex-Tory MP’s hilarious stompy dances led Craig Revel Horwood to brand her a “dancing hippo”.
But the public voted them all the way through to week 10 in 2010.
Ann, 72, said: “He was the best partner I could’ve wished for and despite having no hope of winning with me and one or two other duds, he’s persevered. So I’m looking forward to seeing Anton lift the glitterball this year.”
Esther Rantzen
Dame Esther Rantzen was his second Strictly partner and although they were eliminated in week three, the 79-year-old presenter said she enjoyed every second of dancing with the twinkle-toed pro. She said: “Those of us who have had the fun of dancing with Anton of course hope he will at last get the reward he deserves, and lift the glitterball.
“For us he will always be the winner.”
Lesley Garrett
The opera star, 64, was his first partner in 2004 and they finished third.
Lesley said: “Who would have believed 15 years ago that we’d still be waiting for Anton to pick up the glitterball trophy?
“Dancing on Strictly remains one of my career highlights, it was all down to darling Anton. He gave me the time of my life.
“I have everything crossed he’ll have his on Saturday night.”
Nancy Dell'Olio
The lawyer and Anton were voted off in Halloween week in 2011 after their rumba scored just 14 out of 40.
But Nancy, 58, vowed to keep dancing after training with Anton, saying: “I’ve had a lot of fun, it’s been an incredible experience.”
Gillian Taylforth
The 64-year-old EastEnder and Anton were eliminated in week two in 2008.
Despite suffering torn knee ligaments in rehearsals, she had nothing but praise, saying: “I’ve really enjoyed myself, it’s been great. Anton’s wonderful.”
Laila Rouass
The Holby City star, 48, made it through to week 12 in 2009.
She backed him to one day be a Strictly judge, saying: “He’d be fabulous. He’s so funny. I was so lucky to be paired with that man.”
Judy Murray
The tennis coach, 60, made it all the way to Blackpool in 2014.
She tweeted her support for Anton this week declaring him her “King of the Ballroom”.
Jan Ravens
The impressionist got to week five in 2006.
Jan, 61, said: “We had a brilliant time and such a laugh at rehearsals, we were always laughing and joking.”
Fiona Fullerton
The actress, 63, suffered the curse of Blackpool in 2013 when they were eliminated at the Tower Ballroom.
She said: “It must’ve been immensely frustrating. He is a true gent and I adore him.”
Susannah Constantine
Last year Anton and the TV presenter were the first to be voted off.
Susannah, 57, said she cried, admitting: “I saved it until when I got back to the hotel. I felt I let him down so badly.”
Ruth Langsford
The TV host, 59, was delighted at Anton being Emma’s partner, tweeting: “You couldn’t have a better partner.”
Ruth and Anton were paired in 2017 when she fell on him during the paso doble.
Jerry Hall
Not even a supermodel could bring Anton a win in 2011. They were voted out in week three.
Jerry, 63, was full of praise, saying: “I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve loved hanging out with Anton.”
Pasty Palmer
In series three, he and the EastEnder came fifth despite being branded a mismatch.
But Patsy, 47, said: “He has been the most fantastic partner.”
Lesley Joseph
The Birds of a Feather star was eliminated in 2016 after she messed up the tango.
Lesley, 74, said: “Working with him has been an absolute joy.”