Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke has spoken candidly about the debilitating health condition affecting his wife Hannah, revealing he was shocked to discover the true extent of what she had been experiencing.
The professional dancer addressed the subject during an appearance on Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast, where he discussed the profound impact of Hannah's diagnosis and why he believes greater awareness is urgently needed.
Never Heard of the Condition
Anton, who married marketing executive Hannah Summers in 2017, revealed that he had never previously heard of endometriosis before meeting his wife, despite considering himself a well-informed individual.
He told Davina: "I find the whole thing staggering, and this is a subject for another day because I can talk about this for an hour and a half. It's also a thing that I never even knew existed before I met Hannah. I'm not an unintelligent man. I do keep my ears open. I know lots about lots of things. I'd never even heard the word endometriosis, not because I wasn't listening, because nobody talked about it."
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. It can cause severe pain and fertility difficulties.
Debilitating Symptoms
During their discussion, Davina highlighted just how physically and emotionally gruelling the condition can be, describing it as debilitating and deeply painful. Anton agreed, outlining some of the symptoms Hannah has experienced and demanded that more is done about the condition.
"It's debilitating. It is painful, huge, swelling, infertility problems. And what do we know about it? Not very much. This is something that needs to be addressed," he said.
He also highlighted the particularly cruel nature of some symptoms, explaining how endometriosis can cause swelling that leaves sufferers looking as though they are pregnant.
"I know we're short on time, but the thing about endometriosis is that it's a bit perverse. It makes you, some of the side effects are, you get swelling, but in a unique way that makes you look like you're pregnant," he said.
Davina agreed, responding: "It's so cruel, isn't it?"
Anton replied: "Isn't it? What's that? Mother Nature, can we have a chat about this?"
Journey to Parenthood
The discussion also covered the couple's journey to parenthood, with Anton previously revealing that Hannah's condition had left her worried they might never have children together.
The pair first met at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey in 2012 and subsequently welcomed twins George and Henrietta following IVF treatment.
Anton had previously discussed their fertility struggles on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, describing how difficult it had been to watch Hannah endure the condition while they were trying to start a family. He recalled seeing her with her nephews and wondering why someone he felt was so naturally suited to motherhood had been dealt such a difficult situation.
The dancer described the diagnosis as "peculiar, cruel, and inexplicable and unforgivable", expressing his frustration at the thought of Hannah having to endure the condition while also facing uncertainty over whether they would become parents.
Anton has continued to highlight the need for greater awareness, making clear during his latest interview that endometriosis deserves far more recognition and understanding.
