Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has spoken openly about the heartbreaking impact endometriosis had on his wife Hannah Summers and their path to starting a family.
Anton married marketing executive Hannah in 2017, after meeting at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey in 2012. Following their wedding, the couple welcomed twins George and Henrietta, conceived through IVF treatment.
On Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Anton revealed how devastating Hannah’s diagnosis was, especially as she doubted they would ever have children due to her chronic condition.
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Reflecting on his feelings, Anton said he struggled to understand why such a loving person would face such hardship. “I saw her with her nephews, so caring and kind, and I couldn’t understand the cruelty of having endometriosis prevent her from having children,” he shared. He described the diagnosis as “peculiar,” “cruel,” and “inexplicable.”
Anton also spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the IVF process. “As much as I wanted to help, all I could do was hold her hand through the injections, bruises, and stress. It was heartbreaking to watch,” he said. He praised women undergoing fertility treatment as “extraordinary” for their strength and resilience.
The couple’s determination paid off when their first IVF attempt was successful, leading to the birth of their twins. Looking back, Anton emphasized the need for more awareness and investment in women’s health, particularly for conditions like endometriosis.
Celebrating his 60th birthday on July 20, Anton’s openness sheds light on the struggles many couples face and honors the courage required to overcome them.