The Strictly Come Dancing judge recounts a near-fatal adventure on the slopes.
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Anton du Beke, the beloved judge from Strictly Come Dancing, recently opened up about a harrowing experience during a family skiing trip that left him fearing for his life. The 58-year-old dance star, who has been a prominent figure on the show since its inception in 2004, admitted that he is not well-versed in snow sports, making his adventure all the more perilous.
Facing fears on the slopes
Despite his lack of skiing skills, Anton decided to join his family on a winter holiday, a decision that would soon lead to a near-disastrous situation. While his family members are avid winter sports enthusiasts, Anton has always been hesitant to participate, primarily due to his fear of injuring his legs, which are crucial to his dancing career.
He candidly expressed, “I don’t ski, so I just went along. It’s a horrible holiday to go along on if you don’t ski.” This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves in similar situations, feeling out of place amidst the thrill-seekers.
A chilling ordeal
During the trip, Anton decided to explore the mountain on foot instead of taking the ski lift. He recounted his experience, stating, “I thought I won’t get on the thing, I’ll have a wander – I’ll walk up…” Unfortunately, this decision led him to become stuck in waist-deep snow, a predicament that quickly escalated into a frightening ordeal. As he struggled to free himself, he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him, realizing that he was surrounded by skiers clad in proper gear while he was ill-equipped for the snowy terrain.
Humiliation and reflection
Anton described the moment he became aware of the gravity of his situation: “I got halfway up and got a bit stuck. I was like, ‘This is so embarrassing.'” The fear of being rescued from the side of the hill added to his humiliation. He vividly recalled the cold, wet sensation as he battled the elements, stating, “I froze to death, I was wet – one of the most humiliating things ever.” This experience not only highlighted the dangers of winter sports for novices but also served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared.
New beginnings with Putt and Strutt
In light of his recent experiences, Anton has launched a new podcast titled Putt and Strutt, co-hosted with fellow TV star Sarah Stirk. The podcast aims to explore the lighter side of golf, offering listeners a blend of humor and insights from the golfing world. Anton expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I’m delighted to welcome you to ‘Putt & Strut’ – the golf podcast that looks at the lighter side of the game.” With new episodes airing every Friday, the podcast promises to be an entertaining listen for sports enthusiasts.
Listeners can catch Putt and Strutt on Global Player and all major podcast platforms, where Anton and Sarah will share their passion for golf and invite special guests to join the conversation. As he continues to navigate the challenges of life in the public eye, Anton’s skiing mishap serves as a humorous yet cautionary tale for those who dare to venture into unfamiliar territory.
