04 October 2023 , 10:15
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Annabel Croft revealed Strictly Come Dancing has been a "distraction from grief and dark thoughts" following the death of her husband Mel Coleman.
The former tennis player explained how dancing has helped her cope with the grief of losing her husband to stomach cancer earlier this year in May. Lorraine Kelly suggested Strictly could be a positive distraction and how it's important for Annabel to "do something for you".
"It’s been a nice distraction from grief," she agreed. "It’s been nice to do something joyful and use my body and try to rest my brain from thinking too many dark thoughts.”
Annabel went on to say her late husband was a "huge fan" of the show and professional dancer Johannes. Talking about being partnered with Johannes, Annabel said: “I have struck gold. Johannes is just the most amazing human being."
Annabel's husband, Mel, died in May (Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Annabel's husband was a 'huge fan' of Johannes (PA)Turning to her partner, she continued: "You have the most amazing energy, incredible kindness and patience. You are an unbelievable dancer, but also an unbelievable teacher. I learn something every second of every day and he does not miss a trick when we’re rehearsing. It’s a challenge but it’s great fun."
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She added: “It’s been an amazing experience already. I’ve loved both of the dances we’ve done. They’ve been quite frantic and we’ve sort of galloped our way across the stage, but this week is a Waltz."
Annabel and Johannes revealed they will be performing to Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's for Strictly's Movie Week. “It’s a beautiful dance. Johannes choreographs it all. It’s slower, a lot of feeling, every single dance we’ve done, I’m blown away with the detail that goes into every single dance and step… the level that goes into learning. They make it look so easy.”
In May, Annabel's husband of 30 years tragically passed away and the 60-year-old's death came as a complete shock to the former tennis player and their three children, Charlie, Amber and Lilly, given his seemingly perfect health. The dad-of-three had only been diagnosed eight weeks before he died, after complaining of stomach pains just two months before his diagnosis.