Anton Du Beke, the beloved Strictly Come Dancing star, has revealed that he was completely unaware of endometriosis before meeting his wife, Hannah Summers. 

The professional dancer, who is known for his warmth and charm on the BBC dance show, 

has opened up about his wife’s battle with the condition, highlighting the importance of raising awareness around it.

Endometriosis, as defined by the NHS, is a medical condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow outside of it, 

causing a variety of symptoms, including severe period pain, heavy periods, fertility problems, and emotional distress. 

It’s a condition that affects approximately 1.5 million women in the UK, according to Endometriosis UK. 

Despite its prevalence, the condition is still not widely discussed, a fact that Anton believes needs to change.

In a heartfelt interview with *The Times*, Anton shared his personal journey of learning about the condition through his wife. Before meeting Hannah, he had never heard of endometriosis and was unaware of how it could affect a woman’s ability to conceive. He expressed his frustration, saying, “Before I met my wife, I had never heard of endometriosis. It potentially stops women from having children. It’s still not talked about enough.”

Hannah, who works as a marketing executive, was diagnosed with endometriosis, which significantly impacted the couple’s ability to conceive naturally. Their struggle to have children was a difficult and emotional journey that eventually led them to undergo IVF. In 2017, after a long and trying process, they were overjoyed to welcome their twins, George and Henrietta, into the world.

Anton described how, despite Hannah’s natural warmth and nurturing personality, the condition created a barrier to motherhood. “My wife seemed like a person naturally aligned to motherhood, yet a freak of nature had decreed that she wouldn’t be able to get pregnant,” he shared. He went on to express his feelings of injustice, saying, “That always seemed mightily unfair to me. Now, she is the most incredible mother.”

The couple’s emotional path to parenthood has given Anton a deeper understanding of the challenges that many women face when dealing with fertility issues, particularly those caused by endometriosis. He spoke candidly about the unfairness of the situation, reflecting on how it seemed impossible that someone as kind, loving, and maternal as Hannah should be denied the chance to have children naturally.

In a further revelation, Anton recalled his first impressions of Hannah when they met at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey in 2012. He was struck by her caring nature, especially when he saw her interact with her nephews. It was clear to him from the start that Hannah was destined to be a great mother. “I knew I wanted to be with her, I saw her with her nephews. She’s so kind and so caring,” Anton shared during a conversation with Giovanna Fletcher on her *Happy Mum Happy Baby* podcast.

However, the couple’s struggles with conception left Anton baffled by what he perceived as life’s inherent unfairness. He confided that it was difficult to understand why such an incredible person, so suited to motherhood, had to face such an obstacle. He even expressed his confusion about the universe’s apparent decision-making, saying, “And whoever is upstairs, if anyone’s upstairs, looking down and going ‘you are the most perfect person to have children, but I’m not going to let you have any children because I’m going to give you this.'”

Despite the emotional toll of their journey, Anton and Hannah’s story has a happy ending with the birth of their twins. The couple’s experience has not only deepened their bond but also fueled Anton’s desire to raise awareness about endometriosis. His openness in discussing the condition is part of a broader effort to help others understand the struggles that many women endure, often in silence.

The couple’s experience with IVF and the eventual birth of their twins has been a source of immense joy for the Du Beke family. Anton’s perspective on parenthood and his wife’s strength and resilience continues to inspire those who may be facing similar challenges. He is determined to keep raising awareness about endometriosis, ensuring that it becomes a more widely recognized and discussed issue.

As Anton prepares to appear on a celebrity special of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?* tonight, his personal reflections on his family’s journey serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding, empathy, and the need to break the silence around reproductive health conditions like endometriosis.

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