After speaking about his childhood suffering, Anton Du Beke has earned the hearts of the nation.
ITV fans who watched the Strictly judge being interviewed by Kate Garraway on Wednesday’s Life Stories dubbed him a “national treasure.”
During the wide-ranging conversation, Anton disclosed for the first time that he was hospitalised after being stabbed on Boxing Day by his drunken father, as well as discussing his unexpected family life with wife Hannah Summers.
Many viewers said they were left in tears after Anton recalled the incident with his dad, with one commenting: ‘Brilliant interview by Kate Garraway with Anton du Beke. He is such a talented lovely man. So brave to talk about his early life. He is a National Treasure.’
‘That was a very emotional watch. Anton Du Beke really is a national treasure. Always seems like such a nice and genuine guy,’ another wrote, while a third said: ‘I adore @TheAntonDuBeke Anyone who’s been to his shows knows what a class act he is honest, genuine, national treasure #lifestories.’
Anton had warned Kate that the news about his father would surprise his friends and relatives, who had not previously been aware of the attack.
The author said that his father, Antal, “made a turn” against him once he found a talent for dancing while suffering from alcoholism.
Recalling the incident, he continued: ‘I got stabbed in the leg and in the stomach because of a fight on Boxing Day and it was an idiotic situation.
‘I remember walking out of the house to walk up to the hospital holding my leg and a police car drove past and I waved them down and I said “he’s in there with a knife.”
Brilliant interview by Kate Garraway with Anton du Beke. He is such a talented lovely man. So brave to talk about his early life. He is a National Treasure @kategarraway @TheAntonDuBeke @bbcstrictly #KateGarrawaysLifeStories @ITV #NationalTreasure pic.twitter.com/pRvZq9mmeQ
— Vicki Michelle MBE 💙 (@vickimichelle) August 3, 2023
I have so much respect for #AntonDuBeke after sharing his story.
I can understand what he went through and that is very sad. That said, he has come out the other end in a positive light and had the most successful career, so look who is the winner. ♥
— 🏳️🌈 James Ashton 🏳️🌈 (@James_Ashton22) August 2, 2023
That was a very emotional watch 🥺 Anton Du Beke really is a national treasure. Always seems like such a nice and genuine guy! #LifeStories
— Laura Davidson (@lovelylaurajd) August 2, 2023
I adore @TheAntonDuBeke Anyone who's been to his shows knows what a class act he is 👏 Honest, genuine, national treasure #lifestories
— Fizzy Blue (@FizzyBlue2) August 2, 2023
Me and mum would like to thank @kategarraway for doing a fantastic interview on national Treasure not Borderline 😂 @TheAntonDuBeke what a man he is !! ❤️ #LifeStories
— Queen Lauren 👑🩵🩵 (@blue_laur11) August 2, 2023
‘Anyway, they carted him off and I ended up in hospital for three or four days. My only concern was getting back into the studio and dancing and the embarrassment of it.’
When asked about his leg ailment, Anton claimed he told people he’d ‘pulled a hamstring’ because he was ashamed.
Kate subsequently told the audience that Antal was exonerated of hurting his son in court, and that when he died, Anton did not attend his burial.
Anton was the longest-serving professional dancer on Strictly, having been a mainstay on the BBC One programme from its inception until he switched the dance floor for the judging panel to permanently replace outgoing judge Bruno Tonioli in 2021.
Over the years, his famous companions have included former home secretary Jacqui Smith, soap star Emma Barton, and politician Ann Widdecombe.
Anton is also an author, having authored novels such as We’ll Meet Again, One Enchanted Evening, and A Christmas To Remember, and his solo tour, An Audience With Anton Du Beke, begins this month.
Kate Garraway’s Life Stories is available to stream on ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.
