Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left emotional following the pairing show on Saturday night, as Annabel Croft broke down about the devastating loss of her beloved husband Mel Coleman earlier this year.
Annabel, 57, who has been partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe for the 2023 series of Strictly, broke down during the launch show as she revealed that she wished "more than anything" that Mel was still here to see her dance on the show - after admitting that it was a dream come true to finally bag a spot on the BBC competition. The former tennis star revealed that Strictly Come Dancing was always Mel's favourite show, and he always had dreams of his wife making it onto the dance floor in a bid to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Annabel, who married America's Cup and Admiral's Cup yachtsman Mel in 1993 and shares two daughters and a son with him, was devastated by his death. Annabel's life was turned upside down in May of this year when Mel passed away after a sudden cancer diagnosis. The 60-year-old was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer after complaining of stomach pain for two months and tragically died just eight weeks after his health condition was discovered.
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BBC)Speaking with professional partner Johannes ahead of the group dance tonight, Annabel shared her wish that Mel is looking down on her and proud that she has finally made it onto the show that he loved so much. The sports star also confessed that she feels taking part in the show will be good for her soul after such a colossal loss in her life this year.
"My husband absolutely loved Strictly. He used to call me over if I was cooking, and he was crying watching it. So, I hope he’s watching," Anabel said through tears. She went on to explain that taking part in the 21st season of the show will be a nice change for her.
She admitted that the intensive training for the show has helped take her mind off her husband's tragic death and helped her to find some joy in life again. “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. 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.”
Following Annabel's devastating confession about her late husband Mel, Strictly fans flocked to Twitter to share their support for the TV star. "Annabel has me in floods of tears. I wish nothing but the best for her. How brave of her to do this show just a few months after her husband's death. I wouldn't be able to do it."
"Fair play to Annabel. She seems so lovely and honest about Mel's death. I hope he's looking down on her and feeling so proud tonight," another Strictly viewer shared. While someone else gushed: "Absolutely bawling. Annabel for the win."
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 next Saturday and Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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