Annabel Croft's late husband's final wish for her and her heartbreak

28 October 2023 , 16:50

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Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe wowed with a Charleston (Image: BBC)

For former tennis star Annabel Croft, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing means so much more than just dancing.

The 57-year-old TV presenter broke down on last Saturday’s pairing show after opening up about her heartbreaking loss of her husband Mel Coleman earlier this year - and revealing that it was always her husband’s ‘dream’ for her to be on the show. Speaking about her husband, an America’s Cup and Admiral’s Cup yachtsman, she said she “wished more than anything” that he could see her performing, especially with her partner, professional dancer Johannes Radebe for the 2023 series.

"I can't tell you what this means, to be dancing with you,” she told him on the show. “I just wish you had met my husband, because I have these flashbacks to our house and him watching you with tears running down his face. Honestly, it's so special, it's beyond anything I could put into words."

Annabel and Mel married in 1993 and have two daughters and a son together. It was in May this year when their life was turned upside down when he was given the sudden stage three stomach cancer diagnosis - just two months after complaining of stomach pains. He died eight weeks after his diagnosis.

Annabel with her late husband, Mel Coleman, and their children (Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock)

Annabel with her Strictly partner, Johannes (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Still dealing with her very recent loss, Annabel said she feels “proud” to be a part of this year’s Strictly in his memory. "My husband absolutely loved Strictly,” she said. He used to call me over if I was cooking, and he was crying watching it. So, I hope he’s watching.”

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And the intensive training will also help distract her from her loss and find some joy. “I just think, what an amazing time to try and find some joy, and just to be thrown into something to take your mind off things,” she said. “I know it is a competition, but to me it’s like yoga, where you just think about what you’re doing on the mat, and just try to improve yourself. That’s my attitude anyway.”

Along with Annabel, the stars on the line-up this year include Zara McDermott, Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi and Angela Scanlon. Also competing are Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda, Ellie Leach, Jody Cundy CBE, Bobby Brazier, Nigel Harman, and Les Dennis.

Strictly Come Dancing kicks off Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Louise Lazell