Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has spoken openly about the painful reality of his wife Hannah Summers’ battle with endometriosis and how it shaped their journey to becoming parents.
Anton, known for his role on the BBC dance competition, met Hannah, a marketing executive, in 2012 at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey. The couple married in 2017 and soon after welcomed twins George and Henrietta, conceived through IVF after a difficult struggle.
During a heartfelt interview on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Anton revealed how devastating Hannah’s diagnosis was for both of them. He described his difficulty in understanding why such a cruel condition would befall someone so loving.
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“I saw her with her nephews — she’s so kind and caring — and I just couldn’t understand why the universe would do this to her,” Anton said. “Endometriosis meant she’d suffer chronic pain and face serious challenges when it came to having children. It seemed inexplicable and cruel.”
Anton, who turned 60 on July 20, highlighted the emotional toll the IVF process took on Hannah. “Watching her go through all the injections, bruises, and anxiety broke my heart. I wanted to help but there was only so much I could do—just hold her hand and be there,” he confessed. “It made me realize how strong women really are.”
The couple’s perseverance paid off after their first round of IVF, resulting in the birth of their twins, with their marriage strengthening through the shared experience.
Anton also called for increased awareness and government support for women’s health issues like endometriosis. Reflecting on their journey, he said, “I had no idea what endometriosis was before this, and it’s clear there needs to be more investment and understanding.”
Their story shines a light on the emotional and physical challenges faced by couples dealing with fertility issues and chronic illness, as well as the power of love and resilience in overcoming adversity.