Bonnier Books UK is thrilled to announce the return of national treasure and Strictly star, Anton Du Beke, with his first memoir and two new novels, in a multi-book deal.
World All Language rights were acquired by Blink Publishing Director Ciara Lloyd for Anton’s memoir, with World All Language rights also acquired by co-CEO Sarah Benton and Zaffre Senior Editor Claire Johnson-Creek, in a two-book fiction deal, from Kerr MacRae at Kerr MacRae LPA.
A true coming-of-age story, full of the humour and nostalgia of Anton’s life growing up in the seventies set against the world of dance, his much-anticipated memoir will be a lead title for the Blink list in autumn 2026. Publishing alongside celebrations for Anton’s 60th birthday, it is sure to be a strictly magical publishing moment.
Excitingly, for Anton’s devoted fans, he will also be returning to Bonnier Book UK’s flagship commercial fiction imprint Zaffre, where he began his fiction publishing career with multiple bestselling books. Anton has since gone on to sell over 500,000 copies of his novels across all formats. Zaffre will launch a sparkling new fiction series in autumn 2027, with a fresh direction, full of new friends and some much-loved old ones.
Anton Du Beke said: I’m delighted to be returning to Sarah, Ciara and the team at Bonnier Books UK and also to work with them on my new memoir. I am lucky enough to work every day doing what I love. But let’s just say I was a bit of late bloomer, so I have some tales to tell!
Sarah Benton said: ‘I am so happy to be reunited with Anton and his team to bring his publishing back to Bonnier Books UK. He’s a true gentleman; with an astonishing work ethic and much fun in between. Next year will be a real landmark for him and us, marking the 60th birthday of a true national treasure with his memoir and of course, more much loved, bestselling fiction to follow in the years after. It’s a ten from me!’
Ciara Lloyd said: ‘Anton has been top of my publishing wish-list for years, and as I’ve watched his star rise even further since taking his hallowed spot on the Strictly judging panel, I am overjoyed to now have the opportunity to work with him on his first memoir. Anton is wit and charm personified, and I know his book will delight readers, with a big dose of the humour and personability that we’ve come to know and love about him. His is a real-life Billy Elliot story and I’m sure will bring some much-needed sparkle to autumn 2026!’
Anton du Beke’s memoir will be published autumn 2026 with a new novel to follow in autumn 2027.
