21 November 2023 , 11:26
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Annabel Croft says Strictly Come Dancing saved her after the tragic death of her husband.
Mel Coleman passed away at the start of the summer aged 60, just weeks after he had been diagnosed with stage three cancer. Despite a traumatic six months, Annabel has credited the BBC Latin and ballroom show with giving her purpose again.
Admitting she wishes he was there to support her throughout the show, she explained how the competition has given her a purpose and something else to focus on following her husband's tragic passing.
Annabel made the heartbreaking admission on This Morning today (ITV)Speaking on This Morning today, she admitted: "There's no question about it. I'm not sure where I would be at if I hadn't had this opportunity to dance with Johannes. I mean it has been a horrific year; it's something I'd never have anticipated.
"It was never meant to be how life was going to be. I thought I had a future with my husband; we've been together since I was 21. 36 years together and I miss him terribly - there's no question about it."
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Annabel and Johannes have wowed on Strictly so far (PA)She added: "I want to speak to him about what we're doing and I miss his humour. I really wish that Johannes had met him because I feel like they would have got on so well. And he adored Johannes when he used to watch the programme."
Speaking about what the show means for her, she explained: "I think it's given me a purpose to get up in the morning and with some of the dances we've done, we've had such an incredible response - particularly our couple's choice dance."
Annabel had previously explained how the grief comes in "waves" for her.
"Obviously the grief comes in waves and their are many days where you're just sobbing at home but with Strictly and meeting Johannes and going on this journey together, it literally has distracted me from all of that pain," she said, "And they're are days, I mean poor Johannes has had to cope with quite a few in the rehearsal rooms and everything. I have such fond memories of Mel in our kitchen calling us all in to watch Johannes because he just thought he was amazing, he would pause Strictly and watch it back.
"It's bittersweet. Because I really wanted them to meet and I'm heartbroken Mel isn't here to see this journey. But I have struck gold. Johannes is just the most amazing human being. You have the most amazing energy, incredible kindness and patience. You are an unbelievable dancer, but also an unbelievable teacher."
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