10 September 2023 , 09:10
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Heartbroken Annabel Croft has opened up about the sudden death of her husband for the first time saying, “There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t cried.”
The tennis beauty, 57, lost her Strictly-obsessed husband Mel Coleman aged 60 in May following a short battle with cancer. And she hopes that doing the BBC show he loved so much can be a much-needed distraction.
Annabel said: “I always loved the show and he used to cry watching the show so I am very heartbroken that he is not here to watch it. It’s been a terrible terrible time – there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t cried.
“But I think it’s good I’m doing something that will distract me – to be spending time doing something wonderful with amazing people. For me, it’s about finding a little joy, learning something new, listening to the music and hopefully just going with the flow.” She teased: “I know we’re not allowed to talk about our partners but I’m so thrilled with my partner.”
Annabel is joining the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing stars (BBC Studios/Ray Burmiston)Annabel, who in 1984 reached the third round at Wimbledon, before retiring from the sport aged just 21, was married to former America's Cup yachtsman Mel for over 30 years and they have three grown-up children, named Charlie, Amber and Lily.
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She added: “My children are really keen about me doing Strictly, they’re all really excited about it. My two daughters are amazing dancers so they’re especially excited.”
Annabel has previously revealed her late husband Mel was a huge fan of Strictly. She said: ”I'm so thrilled to be taking part in the programme.” She added, ”I've always been a big fan of the show, my husband was a really huge fan of it.”
The tennis star said the show had come at the 'right time' for her. In May, she lost her husband Mel Coleman aged just 60, having been married for more than 30 years. The couple have three grown-up children, named Charlie, Amber and Lily.
Annabel announced the sad news in a statement which read: ”My beloved husband Mel passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning after a short battle with cancer. My family and I are completely heartbroken and ask for privacy at this very sad time.”
A friend told the Daily Mail at the time: ”This has come as an extreme shock to everyone – the diagnosis was out of the blue and Mel did not seem unwell at the time.
”Sadly the cancer progressed brutally.... Everyone is devastated and horrified, and Annabel is absolutely shattered.”