Annabel Croft 'set for new career move' as Strictly fans in tears over her exit

11 December 2023 , 10:23

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Annabel Croft 'set for new career move' as Strictly fans in tears over her exit

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are petitioning for Annabel Croft to replace presenter Claire Balding as the host of Wimbledon.

The mum of three, 57, was voted off the BBC dance show over the weekend and many felt as though her Strictly journey was cut far too short. Some even took to social media to complain that the wrong person was chosen for elimination, as it should have been Bobby Brazier. But on the back of her rise from novice dancer to a semi-finalist, Annabel secured her position as a fan favourite and many are now desperate for her to become a BBC sports host, for competitions such as Wimbledon.

Strictly fans call for Annabel Croft to host a BBC sports show

Taking to X, also known as Twitter, one fan wrote: "Fingers crossed that @Annabel_Croft gets the top presenting job at Wimbledon next year. She would be great and have really enjoyed seeing her journey each week on #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." Another person chimed: "Definitely! She's been brilliant on Amazon Prime. I thought she was always the natural successor to Sue Barker. She's knowledgeable, classy and so likeable."

A third added: "I hope so. She was amazing at Wimbledon last year and really deserves the job this time around. Please take note, @BBCSport." Meanwhile a fourth commented: "Could not agree more. They missed a real anchor this year after Sue’s departure and Annabel is knowledgeable, eloquent and an ex pro - she’d be perfect."

Shortly after her emotional exit alongside her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe, she thanked him for giving her purpose to get up of a morning following the tragic death of her husband who lost his battle with cancer. Penning her thoughts on Instagram, she wrote: "There are SO many things I have to say, so here is a Part 1 reflection on Saturday night…What an amazing semi-final and congratulations to all 3 finalists - you are all so talented and deserving of your place, in what’s going to be a wonderful final. "

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"Dancing a Salsa on Saturday night and being flung around like a rag doll was not something I will ever forget. I spent half the dance in hysterics, after skidding on the floor and landing on my back, with out of control legs in the air ha ha ha," she continued.

She added: "Thank goodness for the super strong @johannesradebe, who was able to pick me up and land me on my feet, just in time, to hit the beat and carry on partying. What a blast! The last video was taken in rehearsals when I practiced the entrance from the sky, however seconds before we danced live, the mechanics broke down, so confetti was thrown from a stationary position, instead of the air.It was all SO much fun and I honestly can’t stop laughing when I think about this dance. "

Annabel went to say: "It’s been one of my favourites this series and a big shout out to the choreographers, @jennytaps1 and @sean.moon - I have loved working with you."She continued: "This incredible experience has sadly come to an end and what a very fitting last dance it was. Getting to dance this beautiful Viennese Waltz, twice, back in “hold” with @johannesradebe was SO special. I have learnt to love ballroom and that’s all down to Johannes for being such an amazing, patient and genius teacher. (A Johannes post will follow soon)."

She then added: "Strictly really has been so life changing! When I think back to week 1, I was apprehensive and terrified… a bit like a rabbit in the headlights. But Strictly has brought me out of my shell and allowed me to discover things about myself that I never knew. I went through a lot of different emotions and I thank EVERYONE who has supported us both, a long the way, because it’s all of you, who have kept us going and enabled us to get this far. We really appreciate it."

Lucretia Munro