Anton Du Beke, the charismatic judge and former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has long been a household name in the UK, known for his charm, wit, and impeccable dance moves. However, behind the glitz of the ballroom, Anton has faced personal challenges that have tested his resilience and deepened his empathy. In a deeply emotional interview, the 58-year-old opened up about his wife Hannah Summers’ lifelong struggle with endometriosis, a chronic condition he described as “cruel” and “unforgivable” for the pain it has caused her. His candid reflections on their journey to parenthood through IVF, coupled with his passionate call for greater awareness and investment in women’s health, have struck a chord with millions, igniting conversations about a condition that affects 1.5 million women in the UK alone. This is the story of Anton and Hannah’s love, their triumph over adversity, and a plea for change that’s capturing hearts worldwide.

A Love Story Born at a Golf Club

Anton Du Beke and Hannah Summers’ romance began in 2012 at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey, an encounter that Anton recalls with a mix of humor and affection. “I knew almost immediately that I loved her,” he shared on Steph’s Packed Lunch, jokingly adding that Hannah fell for him too, “although I was holding a bottle of wine!” Their first meeting wasn’t without its quirks—Anton made a less-than-stellar impression by lingering outside the ladies’ restroom to catch a moment with her, prompting Hannah to call him a “weirdo” before warming to his charm. Despite the rocky start, their connection was undeniable, and after a six-year courtship, they tied the knot in 2017.

Hannah, a marketing executive, brought a quiet strength to their relationship, and Anton was captivated by her kindness and natural affinity for children, especially when he saw her with her nephews. “She’s so kind and so caring,” he said, reflecting on his certainty that she was the woman he wanted to build a life with. However, their dreams of starting a family were complicated by a health challenge that Hannah had endured for years: endometriosis. This condition, where tissue similar to the womb’s lining grows elsewhere in the body, brought severe pain and cast a shadow over their hopes of parenthood.

The Cruel Reality of Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects approximately 1.5 million women in the UK and 200 million globally, yet it remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood. The condition occurs when cells resembling the uterine lining grow in places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic cavity, leading to symptoms such as excruciating menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and infertility. For Hannah, the condition was a lifelong burden, causing chronic pain that began in her early twenties and raising doubts about her ability to conceive naturally. Anton, who had never heard of endometriosis before meeting Hannah, was devastated by the injustice of her suffering. “I just couldn’t understand the universe,” he confessed on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, struggling to reconcile Hannah’s nurturing nature with the “cruel” barrier to motherhood imposed by her condition.

The emotional toll of endometriosis extended beyond physical pain. Hannah faced the psychological weight of fertility challenges, a common experience for the one in ten women affected by the condition. Anton described feeling helpless as he watched her endure the agony, both physical and emotional, of a condition that seemed to defy fairness. “It’s peculiar, cruel, and inexplicable and unforgivable,” he said, expressing his frustration at the lack of answers for why such a “perfect person to have children” was denied that opportunity naturally. His raw honesty about the impact of endometriosis on their lives has resonated with many, shedding light on a condition that is often suffered in silence.

The IVF Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

Determined to build a family, Anton and Hannah turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a process that Anton described as both grueling and awe-inspiring. IVF involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring embryos, often accompanied by hormone injections that can cause physical discomfort and emotional strain. For Hannah, the process was particularly challenging due to her endometriosis, which can complicate fertility treatments. Anton was struck by her resilience, marveling at the strength of women undergoing such procedures. “You girls are extraordinary,” he told Giovanna Fletcher, admitting that as a partner, he felt inadequate, limited to offering support while Hannah bore the brunt of the treatment. “All I can do is hold your hand,” he said, moved by the injections, bruises, and anxiety that defined their journey.

Remarkably, their first IVF attempt was successful, a stroke of fortune that Anton and Hannah consider a miracle. In March 2017, just months before their wedding, they welcomed twins, George and Henrietta, who are now seven years old. The arrival of their children transformed Anton’s life, particularly as he became a father at 50. “It’s the most incredible thing ever,” he said, reflecting on the joy of parenthood. The IVF process, while arduous, strengthened their bond, with Anton praising Hannah’s courage and dedication. “She’s the most incredible mother,” he told The Times, emphasizing that her natural alignment with motherhood made her struggle all the more poignant.

A Call for Awareness and Change

Anton’s experience with Hannah’s endometriosis has turned him into an advocate for greater awareness and investment in women’s health. Before meeting Hannah, he was unaware of the condition, a reflection of the broader lack of public discourse around endometriosis. “It’s still not talked about enough,” he said, highlighting the need for education to ensure women receive timely diagnoses and effective treatments. On average, it takes seven to eight years for women in the UK to be diagnosed with endometriosis, often due to symptoms being dismissed as “normal” period pain or misdiagnosed as other conditions. This delay can exacerbate suffering and reduce fertility prospects, making early intervention critical.

Anton has also called for increased government funding to support research and treatment for endometriosis and other women’s health issues. “There needs to be a huge investment in women’s health, sexual, hormonal, just generally,” he said on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, emphasizing that conditions like endometriosis should be as openly discussed as breast or prostate cancer. His advocacy aligns with organizations like Endometriosis UK, which campaigns for faster diagnoses, better treatments, and workplace support for affected women. By sharing his and Hannah’s story, Anton hopes to normalize conversations about endometriosis, encouraging women to seek help and fostering empathy among those unfamiliar with the condition.

Life as a Family and Anton’s Reflections

Today, Anton, Hannah, and their twins live in Buckinghamshire, where they’ve built a warm and joyful family life. Fatherhood has profoundly changed Anton, softening the edges of his public persona and deepening his emotional connection to his family. “I always get emotional when I talk about Hannah,” he admitted, praising her as a “remarkable mum and wife.” Their home is filled with the chaos and laughter of raising seven-year-olds, a far cry from the uncertainty of their IVF days. Anton’s pride in his children is evident, and he credits Hannah’s strength for making their family possible.

Beyond his personal life, Anton remains a beloved figure on Strictly Come Dancing, where he transitioned from professional dancer to judge, bringing his expertise and humor to the panel. His public platform has amplified his ability to raise awareness about endometriosis, reaching audiences who may not otherwise engage with the topic. His openness about Hannah’s health struggles has also humanized him, revealing a vulnerability that contrasts with his polished on-screen presence. “For me as a man, I didn’t know whether I wanted to have children,” he reflected, noting that meeting Hannah clarified his desire to build a family with the woman he loves.

A Message of Hope and Solidarity

Anton Du Beke’s heartfelt revelations about Hannah’s endometriosis battle have sparked a wave of support and dialogue, both among fans and those affected by the condition. His description of endometriosis as “cruel” captures the frustration and pain experienced by millions, while his admiration for Hannah’s resilience offers hope to those navigating similar challenges. By sharing their story, Anton and Hannah have highlighted the importance of perseverance, love, and advocacy in the face of adversity.

Their journey underscores the need for systemic change in how endometriosis is understood and treated, from improving diagnostic timelines to ensuring access to fertility treatments like IVF. Anton’s call for awareness resonates with a growing movement to prioritize women’s health, challenging the stigma that often surrounds reproductive and menstrual issues. As he continues to shine on Strictly and beyond, Anton’s legacy extends beyond the dancefloor, touching lives through his compassion and commitment to change.

For anyone concerned about endometriosis, the NHS advises consulting a GP, particularly if symptoms like severe period pain or fertility concerns impact daily life. Anton and Hannah’s story is a reminder that while the condition can be cruel, it doesn’t define those who live with it. Their triumph through IVF and their ongoing advocacy offer a beacon of hope, proving that love and determination can overcome even the most unforgiving challenges.