04 November 2023 , 20:24
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Strictly Come Dancing's Annabel Croft shared an emotional revelation about grief as she admitted she didn't think she'd 'survive' after the death of her husband Mel Coleman if it wasn't for her children.
The former British tennis star, who is partnered with Johannes Radebe, opened up on the death of her husband on Saturday's Strictly as her children revealed how proud they were of her mum for taking part. Explaining the meaning behind her routine, Annabel said: "This week it's Couple's Choice and we're dancing a lyrical dance to the song Wings by Birdie.
"I think this dance is definitely a tribute to Mel, it couldn't be anything other than that. As soon as we met I was just taken by his massive smile and his great sense of humour.
"We were meant to have our 30th wedding anniversary this year and I never saw what happened coming. He got diagnosed on January 31st and he was told he didn't have very long. I don't think I can survive without the children."
Annabel and Johannes received a score of 35 and finished third on the leaderboard (BBC/Guy Levy)Annabel's daughter Lily told her mum: "I don't recognise you from when you first started Strictly, you are so amazing," and professional dancer Johannes Radebe added: "I have seen your mum grow every single day in front of my eyes."
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Lily continued: "My dad always loved watching Strictly, dad adored watching Johannes, he's definitely the angel she needed as much as we did to." In the pre-dance VT, Annabel brought Johannes to Richmond Park, where she and her late husband would walk every day together.
"This is a really special to me," the Strictly star shared. "Mel and I waked here every single day. Every time I come here and I walk past the benches we sat on, it's really quite emotional for me but I don't want to forget the memories either."
"You've actually brought a lot of joy into my life, which has helped to alleviate the pain," Annabel told Johannes before apologising as she broke down in tears. Their Couple's Choice routine was praised by the judges with head judge Shirley Ballas being left in tears over the emotional dance.
Strictly Come Dancing continues every Saturday with the results show airing on Sunday on BBC One.