ENJOYING their tenth successful UK tour, this dazzling dance duo received an ecstatic response from a packed Pavilion.

From TV’s popular Strictly Come Dancing, Anton du Beke and his partner for over 20 years Erin Boag have nailed a neat formula.

They’re each experienced, charismatic and wonderfully entertaining dancers, their 25-piece live London Concert Orchestra provides rich full accompaniment, and Lance Ellington is a smoothly stylish lead vocalist.

Add to this, six sharp and slick young ensemble dancers, elegant and colourful costumes, precise choreography, a compelling Q&A segment... and Anton & Erin present a brilliant show.

Musical highlights include Lance Ellington’s soulful Cry Me A River, his sophisticated Mr Bojangles, and his duet with Anton on a moving tribute to the late, really great Bruce Forsyth Me And My Shadow, although missing the tantalising tap flourishes.

Anton and Erin’s unscripted question-and-answer section is always popular. With the house lights up, Anton is a natural comedian in this intimate situation – improvisatory, irreverent, and utterly hilarious.

He exudes warm professional charisma, gets laughs with just a mischievous raised eyebrow, and has razor-sharp comic timing.

Reflecting on his 15 series of Strictly, trying to improve the dance techniques of so-called “celebrities”, he revealed his secret trick ... his “Shove and Nudge” move to subtly encourage incompetents to move their legs in better ways to avoid knocking him over.

Anton and Erin are smoothly polished professionals, touring until March 18.

Brendan McCusker