11 December 2023 , 19:02
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Annabel Croft broke down in tears this evening as she reflected on her Strictly Come Dancing journey.
The tennis star and her professional partner Johannes Radebe crashed out of the competition yesterday evening, just one week before the final. Her exit means that Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier and Layton Williams will go head to head for the Glitterball Trophy.
Speaking on the show tonight, she revealed: "It's hard not to feel dazed by it all, it's just been the most magical 12 weeks. I enjoyed so much from it, from start to finish. If someone had said to me you might get to week 12, I'd have never believed it. I'm a little bit sad that I couldn't get us to the final and of course, we'd have loved to get through but we had some stiff competition."
Annabel broke down in tears (BBC)Johannes then shared his own feelings, adding: "I was extremely disappointed but like Annabel said, we did have some stiff competition. I'm happy for what we had, I'm very content, but I would have loved to take Annabel to the final."
She was then shown her Strictly story and there were tears all round as the pair reflected on their time together in the competition. Annabel wiped away her tears as Johannes looked very emotional too.
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Sharing what he'd miss most about Annabel, Johannes' voice broke as he said: "Everything. It's your smile - every day. How eager you were to learn to dance, and you were not here for the glory of it all, you were here to learn to dance. I hope you know how proud I am of you. Thank you for every day," before Annabel admitted it was hard to watch back.
In her exit speech yesterday, Annabel paid tribute to the cast and crew of the show - before sharing a special message for Johannes.
"It’s been the most incredible rollercoaster ride, I have had every single emotion you can imagine. I really want to thank Strictly for letting me take part in this competition. Thank you to the judges, for your amazing comments and guiding us all along. But I also see this as a one-thousand-piece jig saw puzzle and I wish that everyone in the public could see what goes on behind the scenes because it’s quite extraordinary the machinery that makes it work and makes the show what it is," she said after her exit was announced.
"The most wholesome family entertainment magical show with so much glitz and glamour and so much enjoyment for everybody. It has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough. Thank you so much Johannes, for the most special time I have had with you."
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