Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke took time off from rehearsals to launch a new service from Stansted to Vienna by Eurowings.

The professional dancer, who is accompanying TV presenter Katie Derham in the current series, marked the launch of the six-times-a-week service by teaching the Viennese Waltz a group of “students” including Stansted Airport’s managing director, Andrew Harrison.

“We’re delighted that Anton was able to join us to celebrate the launch of Eurowings’ new route to Vienna,” said Mr Harrison.

“The Austrian capital is yet another fantastic new addition to Stansted’s extensive route network which already serves more scheduled destinations in Europe than any other UK airport.”

“The new six-times a week service gives passengers even more choice this winter, appealing to UK travellers eager to explore one of Europe’s most beautiful cities as well as providing an affordable and convenient gateway to London and the East of England for visitors arriving from Austria.”

He addded: “Stansted is the UK’s fastest growing airport serving more than 22million passengers a year and we’re determined to offer our passengers even more new destinations and services so we’re delighted Eurowings has chosen Stansted to launch its services between London and Vienna.”

Also at the launch was Essex baker Becky Sebright-King, from Lady Bakewell-Park, who handed out homemade Viennese Whirls, while four lucky competition winners also got the chance to pirouette on the dance floor with Anton.

Oliver Wagner, chief commercial officer at Eurowings, said: “We’re delighted with the colourful and warm welcome here at Stansted Airport.

“Stansted is among the inaugural routes we are offering from Vienna and an important part of our new pan-European services. We are happy to offer attractive prices together with an innovative product concept and high quality to UK travellers as well as visitors arriving from Austria.”

Other new routes launched at Stansted for this winter include services to the Icelandic capital Reykjavik with easyJet and to Gothenburg with Scandinavian flag carrier SAS.

The new Eurowings flights will depart from the airport’s newly refurbished Satellite One departure area. The £8m project forms part of the airport’s wider £260m investment programme to improve airport facilities and services for passengers and airlines.