Strictly's Annabel Croft shares the 'happy place' she enjoyed with late husband

13 December 2023 , 15:03

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Strictly's Annabel Croft reveals her 'happy place' she shared with late husband

Strictly star Annabel Croft has shared a sweet post from her "happy place", which she said she used to go to with her late husband Mel Coleman.

The 57-year-old tennis player posted three snaps on Instagram, two of the wintery scenery, complete with a herd of deer, and another showing her posing with a coffee and bacon sandwich as she wrapped up warm, after leaving the BBC dance competition on Sunday.

A smiling Annabel wrote: "So wonderful to be back in my happy place, Richmond Park. Nothing beats a bacon sarni and a cappuccino on a Wednesday morning Have a lovely day everyone xxxx"

Annabel shared the post on her Instagram account

She used to watch the wildlife with late husband Mel

Annabel's husband passed away from colon cancer in May, aged 60 - he had only been diagnosed 16 weeks before. The radio presenter previously spoke about Richmond Park, in south-west London, revealing how it reminds her of Mel.

During her time on the show Annabel broke down in tears as she paid a heartfelt tribute to Mel in her Couple's Choice dance, which included a replica of the bench they used to sit on together.

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Annabel took her dance partner Johannes to the bench in Richmond Park where she and Mel would walk to every day and sit on. During the visit, she burst into tears and told Johannes about the wonderful memories they had together.

Annabel said: This week it's Couple's Choice and we're dancing a lyrical dance to the song Wings by Birdy. I think this song is definitely a tribute to my husband 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 supposed to have our 30th wedding anniversary this year and I never ever saw what's happened coming. He got diagnosed on January 31st and he was told he didn't have very long. I don't think I could survive without the children.'

Their daughter Lily added: "My dad always loved watching Strictly. He adored watching Johannes. He's definitely the angel she needed as much as he did too."

Speaking about how Strictly helped her through the depths of grief, Annabel appeared with pro partner Johannes on Good Morning Britain last month. She said: "It has come at such an incredibly difficult time in my life, a very dark time, but you [Johannes] have brought so much light to my life, honestly, you have been an angel, so thank you.

"I don't know where I would be if I hadn't had Strictly Come Dancing at this period of time because it has been such a distraction away from terrible grief and you know, I had no concept of what grief was. So, to be able to get up in the morning and to have a purpose rather than just sobbing at home, even though that still happens."

The couple met when Annabel was just 21 and went on to be together for 36 years.

Her Strictly journey came to an end at the weekend, when Annabel went up against Bobby Brazier. After the judges announced she would be leaving, she said: "It’s been the most life-changing and extraordinary experience of my life. Johannes, you have been absolutely extraordinary. You have given me a reason to get out of bed and come and dance with you, distract me and to heal me.

"You have been so patient, so caring and so loving. You are an unbelievably special human being. I simply adore you. I really want to thank Strictly for letting me take part in this competition. Thank you so much Johannes for the most special time I have had with you."

Amelia Ward