Anton Du Beke's honest reason for having kids at 50 as he advises Giovanni Pernice

Anton Du Beke discusses fatherhood with his Strictly co-star Giovanni Pernice in their new BBC travel show.

The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 56, was 50 when his twins were born and has spoken honestly about why he waited for parenthood.

Opening up about becoming a dad in later life, he told Steph's Packed Lunch: "I wouldn’t have been ready for it earlier in my life.

"The earlier part of my life was very very strictly on me."

Anton asks Giovanni how he feels about becoming a dad in their new show Anton and Giovanni's Adventures in Sicily

The dancers have teamed up to tour the Italian's sun-kissed island and share a number of heartfelt conversations.

Anton Du Beke discusses fatherhood with his Strictly co-star Giovanni Pernice in their new BBC travel show (WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

In one clip from the BBC series, Giovanni can be seen shedding a tear while having a heart-to-heart with Anton after the Strictly judge met his pal's family.

Speaking about the emotional chat around a fire, Giovanni shared: "We get to open up and talk about, well in my case, what I want from the future and Anton asked, 'Do you want to be a dad one day?' and it was really the first time I ever opened up about it.

"I haven't even talked to my own dad about it. When I saw for the first time my dad meeting Anton du Beke, my dad is the biggest fan of Anton du Beke.

Giovanni said he would like to be a dad one day (BBC)

"When I saw the friend I admire and my dad being together it was beautiful."

Giovanni also paid a sweet tribute to his co-star, describing him as "family".

The Italian is now said to be single again after he called his time on his relationship with Strictly's Jowita Przystal.

Jowita joins a long line of famous women Giovanni has dated, including Ashley Roberts, Jess Wright and Maura Higgins.

Opening up to Anton about how his mum feels about his romantic life, the dancer says: "“My mum always says to me, ‘so what is the situation?’

Giovanni said he 'wants to be Anton when he grows up' (bbc)

“You know, because obviously, every time I date a girl I always tell her and ask ‘what do you think about this.’

“Bless her, she saw so many passing by and she asks ‘is she the one?’ and she says ‘You know I want a baby before I pass away’. Of course I want to have a family one day you know, I just have to find the right person first.

“I’m just very focused on my career as you were at my age. I always say it as a bit of a joke, but I mean it, when I grow up I want to be Anton Du Beke.”

Anton and Giovanni: Adventures in Sicily begins on March 21 on BBC One