BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Annabel Croft recalls nurse's cruel act during husband's final hours as she'd 'sob at home' if it wasn't for show
04.11.2023 - 19:07
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft has said she'd be 'sobbing at home' if it wasn't for the show and her dance partner Johannes Radebe. That's because away from the glitz of the BBC One contest and performing in the ballroom every Saturday night, the 57-year-old sports star has been grieving a huge loss.
Former tennis star Annabel's husband, Mel Coleman, died in May at the age of 60 years old. The pair were married for 30 years, tying the knot in 1993 and welcoming three children: two daughters, Amber Rose and Lily, and a son, Charlie.
Mel, an America's Cup and Admiral's Cup yachtsman. tragically died just two months after being diagnosed with stage three cancer. He had previously complained of stomach pain for eight weeks before the shocking diagnosis.
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Sharing the devastating news of her husband's death in early June, Annabel said in a statement: "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."
Ahead of performing an emotional couple's choice routine with Johannes during Strictly on Saturday night (November 4), Annabel said on Good Morning Britain: "Strictly has come at an incredibly difficult time in my life. A very dark time, but you have brought so much light to my life honestly, you have been an angel, thank you."
When host Charlotte Hawkins asked: "Do you feel then that having this to throw yourself into in a sense has helped?" Annabel replied: "Oh, there is no question