Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke has revealed a shocking health scare that could have proven fatal, sharing intimate details of a medical emergency that left him hospitalised and fighting for recovery.
The Terrifying Incident That Changed Everything
The beloved dancer and television personality disclosed how what seemed like a minor injury quickly escalated into a life-threatening situation. Du Beke explained that he developed sepsis after accidentally stabbing himself in the leg with a broken wine glass during a family celebration at his home.
The incident occurred last year while Du Beke was enjoying time with his twin children, Henrietta and George, and his wife Hannah Summers. What began as a festive family moment turned into a medical nightmare when he slipped and fell onto a glass, causing a deep wound that would later become infected.
Recognising the Danger Signs
Du Beke emphasised the importance of recognising sepsis symptoms, sharing that he initially underestimated the severity of his condition. The key warning sign he nearly missed was intense shivering, which he described as so violent he couldn't control his body movements.
"I was shivering in a way I've never shivered before," Du Beke recalled during his appearance on Kate Garraway's podcast. The uncontrollable shaking proved to be his body's desperate signal that something was critically wrong, though he admitted initially dismissing it as just feeling unwell.
His wife Hannah ultimately insisted he seek medical attention, a decision that likely saved his life. Doctors diagnosed him with blood poisoning and immediately admitted him to hospital for treatment.
Recovery and Reflection
The Strictly judge spent three days in hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection. He described the experience as "really unpleasant" and acknowledged how quickly a simple accident can turn dangerous.
Du Beke's revelation serves as an important reminder about sepsis awareness. Sepsis claims approximately 48,000 lives annually in the UK, according to the UK Sepsis Trust, making early recognition crucial for survival.
Since his recovery, Du Beke has returned to his judging duties on Strictly Come Dancing, where he continues to entertain millions of viewers each week. His experience has given him a new perspective on health and the importance of taking even minor injuries seriously.
The popular entertainer remains grateful for his wife's quick thinking and the medical care that prevented his health scare from turning tragic.
