Annabel Croft is ‘heartbroken’ that her late husband will not be able to watch her perform on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The 57-year-old former tennis pro signed up for the BBC’s dance programme because her late husband Mel Coleman, who died of cancer in May at the age of 60 only weeks after being diagnosed, was a huge fan.
While Annabel is disappointed that Daddy will not be present to witness her perform, she admits that training has been a pleasant distraction from her sadness.
The sports star told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Mel always loved Strictly.
‘He’d cry watching it and I’m completely heartbroken he’s not here to watch with me.’
Annabel went on: ‘It’s been a terrible, terrible time and there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t cried.
‘That’s why I think it’s good I’m doing something that will distract me. To be distracted, to be spending time doing something so wonderful and beautiful, is amazing.’
Annabel has three adult children from her late husband, Charlie, Amber, and Lily, who are overjoyed that she has agreed to participate in the show.
Annabel became the youngest Briton to participate at Wimbledon in 95 years when she was just 15 years old.
She was awarded junior winner of the 1984 competition three years later.
Since quitting from tennis at the age of 21 in 1988, Annabel has been a familiar figure on television, starring on programmes such as Treasure Hunt, Interceptor, and The Wright Stuff.
Will you be rooting for Annabel Croft on Strictly this year?Now is the time to comment.
The commentator also works for Sky Sports and is frequently seen speaking at Wimbledon as part of his coverage of the famous tournament.
Speaking about joining Strictly, the doting mum said last month: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Source My Celebrity Life.
