After speaking out for the first time about being stabbed by his father, Anton Du Beke conveyed a striking message to child abuse victims.
On Wednesday’s edition of Kate Garraway’s Life Stories, the Strictly Come Dancing judge, 57, confessed he spent three days in hospital after being struck in the stomach and leg by his father as a youngster on Boxing Day.
Viewers of the ITV show flocked to X, now known as Twitter, to express their praise for the pro dancer’s bravery, with many hailing him as a “national treasure.”
Anton reacted to followers on Instagram on Thursday, thanking them for their support and ‘beautiful’ remarks.
Anton tweeted with a photo of himself and the Good Morning Britain host, 56,: ‘My loves, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful messages.
‘I’d also like to thank Kate Garraway for being so kind in the Life Stories interview.
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‘For those of you who have seen it, you’ll know that I talked about some personal childhood experiences during the show.
‘If this has affected you, please remember that you’re not alone and there are people you can talk to.’
The professional dancer also revealed he had been working with children’s charity Childline for some years as he shared its contact details and those for the NSPCC.
He praised the work the charities do, describing it as crucial in keeping children safe and supporting young people and families.’
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.”
‘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.
Du Beke was the longest-serving professional dancer on Strictly, having been a mainstay on the BBC One programme since its inception until he left the dance floor for the judging panel in 2021, taking over permanently from departing judge Bruno Tonioli.
Kate Garraway’s Life Stories is available to stream on ITVX.
Need support? Contact Childline or Barnardo’s
For those affected by this storyline, contact Childline on 0800 11 11 or visit Barnardo’s for support and advice www.barnardos.org.uk
Source My Celebrity Life.
