Strictly viewers demand Anton du Beke is made a permanent judge as they praise his ‘funny and genuine’ critique

STRICTLY viewers have demanded that Anton du Beke is made a permanent judge as they praised his "funny and genuine" critique.

The 54-year-old ballroom dancer stepped into Motsi's shoes as she isolates at home after she was forced to make an urgent trip to Germany.

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The veteran dancer proved a hit with viewers who are calling for him to be a permanent fixture on the panel.

The dancer was elated to step in and viewers praised him for giving the nervous contestants a friendly face.

Anton has been a regular face on the BBC One dance show for 16 years, having performed more than 120 original routines.

The night kicked off with host Tess Daly asking Anton what kind of judge he will be.

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A thrilled Anton replied: "I'll endeavour to be much more generous that these two have been to me over the years, so we should have a lovely night."

As the evening progressed viewers flooded social media with comments begging bosses to offer the ballroom expert a permanent role on the panel.

One fan wrote: "Can we keep Anton as a permanent Judge please ."

Another posted: "Just catching up on strictly Anton is a fantastic judge he needs to be a permanent on the panel! His critique of Ranvir was so kind and fair! Beautiful lady, kind gentleman ."

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A third added: "Let's make this permanent! Anton brings such a wealth of knowledge to the role."

A fourth tweeted: "Anton has been amazing as a judge tonight- he needs to be permanent on the judging panel! Make it happen! He’s fun, fair and firm - LOVE! ."

Another fan joked that Anton compliments that judging panel perfectly.

They wrote: "Anton needs to be a permanent judge please! Balance out the Craigisms."

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Other fans compared him to Strictly legend Len Goodman, with one writing: "Anton is giving me major Len vibes."

Reigning Strictly champ Kelvin Fletcher also gave him his seal of approval: "Loving Anton as a judge! Haha go on lad! #Strictly."

Anton beamed throughout the night as he gave the contestants great feedback - even giving out his first 10 to Clara Amfo for her incredible Charleston.

Anton appeared to be the obvious choice to fill in this week after he was booted out in the first week with former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

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Before his new role was announced, Anton was asked if would consider being a judge on podcast Driven Celebrities.

"In a heartbeat," he said.

"I wouldn't hang up the shoes at all, because I love being out in front and performing.

"I do have a bit of time on my hands now, so I don't know of a better way to fill it quite frankly.

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Anton will only spend one more week on the panel as Motsi continues to isolate at home.

Motsi appeared via video link this week for a short chat about the contestants dances.