Strictly's Annabel Croft doing 'Christmas differently' after losing husband
Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft has revealed how Christmas will be very different this year, as she marks her first without her late husband.
The former British tennis ace tragically lost husband Mel Coleman in May this year, weeks after he was diagnosed with stomach cancer at the age of just 60. The pair were married for 36 years and share daughters Amber, 27, and Lily, 24, and 26-year-old son Charlie.
Appearing on ITV's Lorraine, 57-year-old Annabel said that after their sudden loss the family were going to "try and do something a bit different this year and just get away". She explained: "Nobody wanted to be at the house really."
Stand-in host Ranvir Singh said: "Nobody wants to carve the turkey," as Annabel continued: "Well, exactly because Mel always carved the turkey and he did the ham. And he was sort of like busy bodying around in the kitchen and just enjoying a normal Christmas."
Annabel added: "I almost feel like this Christmas is a bit weird anyway because I haven't had time to do a single Christmas card, so apologies to all my friends and family who are not going to get one.
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"I just didn't have time. I've been leaving the house at 7ish every morning and being back sometimes late at night so no chance to go shopping, or Christmas shopping, so it's a bit weird this year, but maybe that's a good thing."
Annabel Croft with late husband Mel Coleman, who died in May aged 60 (Getty Images)
Annabel thanked dance partner Johannes for helping her 'heal' (BBC/Guy Levy)Ex-Wimbledon star Annabel, who was once ranked number 24 in the world, just missed out on the Strictly final this year. But although she didn't take home the famous Glitterball, which was won by Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and partner Vito Coppola, she says Strictly helped her cope with the grief of losing Mel.
Revealing she "still cries every day", Annabel shared that appearing on the BBC dance show, where she was partnered with pro Johanne Radebe, had help "heal" her and "gave her a reason to get out of bed".
In a heartfelt post on Instagram reflecting on her Strictly journey, she wrote: "There are so many things I have to say, so here is a part one reflection... Dancing a salsa on a 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."
Paying a special tribute to dance partner Johannes, she went on to say: "Thank goodness for the super strong Johannes, 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!"
As she was voted out during semi-finals week, Annabel called Strictly "the most life-changing and extraordinary experience of my life", adding: "Johannes, you have been absolutely extraordinary. You have given me a reason to get out of bed and come and dance with you, distract me and to heal me. You have been so patient, so caring, so loving. You are an unbelievably special human being. I simply adore you. I really want to thank Strictly for letting me take part in the competition. Thank you so much Johannes for the most special time I have had with you."
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