Strictly's Annabel Croft at 'disadvantage' for semi-final, says former pro

09 December 2023 , 17:15

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Annabel is a Strictly semi-finalist (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

Strictly Come Dancing contestant and tennis star Annabel Croft is said to be at a 'disadvantage' for tonight's semi-final, according to a former professional dancer on the show.

Brendan Cole, 47, who took part in the BBC dancing competition from 2004 to 2017, said the particular dancer chosen for Annabel will 'definitely' not work out in her favour - due to her height. Annabel, 56, and her partner Johannes Radebe will perform the Salsa to Gloria Estefan's You'll Be Mine.

Brendan told Sky Bingo: "The one at a disadvantage [next week] is definitely Annabel with a Salsa dance." He explained: “Ellie has a small disadvantage with a Cha Cha, but I think she’s going to do well because she’s quite small. "Generally shorter people achieve a good Cha Cha, taller people tend to do a terrible Cha Cha. She’ll be ok, Layton will be fine and Bobby will be just normal. His Paso Doble might be a little weaker than what you might want, but it will be ok I’m sure.”

Annabel and partner Johannes dancing (PA)

But Brendan also mentioned that he was taken aback by Annabel as she has continued to impress the judges and viewers at home throughout the time she has been dancing with Johannes. "Annabel Croft has really surprised me because I thought she was going to last three weeks, and she's lasted ten. This has been no easy feat for her and she's not showing any signs of stopping, she just keeps getting better.

“She’s actually the ideal Strictly competitor, she doesn't just stay level and average. She is improving week after week and keeps going through. “Well done to Johannes for that and well done to her for continuing to keep herself in the competition."

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The pair have made it to the semi final (BBC/Guy Levy)

The pair at the Pride of Britain awards this year (Getty Images)

At the start of the competition, Annabel revealed that she partnered up with Johannes because he was her late husband Mel Coleman's favourite dancer of the show. Mel passed away this year aged 60, just eight weeks after he had been diagnosed with stage three cancer.

Heartbroken Annabel has admitted her struggle with the change but feels as though her taking part in the dance contest has helped her cope with his death. Speaking alongside the professional dance partner to host Charlene White on Loose Women, she said: "Obviously the grief comes in waves and there are many days where you're just sobbing at home but with Strictly and meeting Johannes and going on this journey together, it literally has distracted me from all of that pain.

"And there are days, I mean poor Johannes has had to cope with quite a few in the rehearsal rooms and everything. I have such fond memories of Mel in our kitchen calling us all in to watch Johannes because he just thought he was amazing, he would pause Strictly and watch it back"

Serena Richards