Anton Du Beke: Escaping An Abusive Father, Changing My Name & The Agony of IVF!

How do you take control of your future when you can't change your past?

In this uplifting episode of Begin Again, Strictly Come Dancing star and judge Anton Du Beke joins Davina McCall to share his extraordinary life story, and why he's always been determined to create a future on his own terms.

Anton opens up about his difficult relationship with his father and growing up around violence. But he's clear that he doesn't want sympathy, and has never wanted those experiences to define him. He explains why never hitting back and avoiding confrontation was his way forward, and how he refused to let his childhood dictate the rest of his life.

He reflects on leaving school at 15 to pursue ballroom dancing, working his way to Strictly Come Dancing and his wonderful friendship with Bruce Forsyth. Alongside a conversation about his wife Hannah's experience with endometriosis, their IVF journey, and the incredible joy of becoming a father to twins at 50.

Full of warmth, humour and wisdom, this is a conversation about resilience, self-belief and why your past doesn't have to determine your future.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:00) Writing His Memoir 'Steps In Time'

(03:44) Leaving School At 15

(05:00) Growing Up With Immigrant Parents

(09:25) Discovering His Passion for Dance

(11:54) Working With Bruce Forsyth

(21:21) Following In Bruce Forsyth's Footsteps

(24:50) Where His Work Ethic Came From

(26:16) Why Dancing Is His Escape

(27:52) BHF Ad

(29:03) Ancient + Brave Ad

(30:42) Cutting Contact With His Abusive Father

(42:54) Falling In Love With Hannah

(47:03) Becoming A Dad Later In Life

(56:36) A Special Message From Anton's Kids

Sponsored by:

British Heart Foundation: To help fund lifesaving research, visit https://bhf.org.uk/keepusbeating  to donate now and keep us beating

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Sync ID: MB01FIT6I84BLZD

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