ANTON DU BEKE
My fame has helped mum find happiness
ANTON Du Beke says the best thing about being famous is how happy it makes his mum – years after her abusive husband made her life a misery.
The Strictly star was regularly beaten with a belt by his alcoholic father Antal.
Anton, 54, said: “My mum is fabulous and lovely. I love that she’s sort of got a bit famous... and she comes along now and again to see the show and it’s great.”
He said he does not regret the lack of a relationship with his dad. “It’s sort of obvious that that’s not OK… the aggression. And the alcohol as well, you know that sort of thing is not normal. I didn’t have a lightbulb moment.”
Anton grew up in Sevenoaks, Kent, with Spanish mum Ascension and Hungarian Antal, who died in 2001. Since marrying Hannah Summers and having twins George and Henrietta in 2017 the dance pro gets on far better with his father-in-law. He said: “I have a wonderful relationship with my wife’s father who I think is the most wonderful, wonderful man. And if you wanted a father you would want him to be your father.”
Anton said his parents’ split marked a turning point. He told BBC podcast When I Was 25: “It was nice to see my mum’s life start to improve.” His mother also marked her freedom with a new hairdo. Anton recalled: “When the divorce came through, she peroxided her hair blonde and suddenly turned into some sort of rock chick.”