Annabel Croft revealed she will have a “different” Christmas this year as it will be the first without her husband Mel Coleman.
The Strictly sensation, 57, spoke about dealing with her grief over the holidays in a candid chat with Ranvir Singh on Lorraine on Monday.
The tennis star admitted she would find it difficult to be in the house that reminds her so much of Mel – who died of bowel cancer on May 24, aged 60, just 16 weeks after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
As she prepares for her first Christmas without him, she admitted: “It's going to be a little strange this Christmas.” “I don't think we thought my husband would be gone a year later.”
“It's terrible, you don't know how to describe it, but we're going to try to do something different this year and just get away.”
Annabel Croft appeared on Lorraine on Monday and explained her plans for a “different” Christmas as she prepares to experience the first without her late husband Mel Coleman
Mel passed away from colon cancer on May 24th at the age of 60, just 16 weeks after diagnosis (pictured together in 2021).
The 57-year-old Strictly sensation spoke about coping with her grief over the holidays in a candid conversation with guest presenter Ranvir Singh
Annabel – who came fourth on the BBC Latin and Ballroom show – said: “Nobody wanted to be in the house.” Because Mel was always carving the turkey. He made the ham and was constantly busy in the kitchen.
“He was always in the kitchen. I enjoy a normal Christmas. I always feel like Christmas is a bit strange because I haven't had time for cards and my friends and family won't get any!'
The athlete has Amber (27), Charlie (26) and Lily (24) with Mel.
Describing her grueling routine since joining Strictly Come Dancing, she said: “I leave the house at seven in the morning and come back late at night, so I don't get a chance to do any Christmas shopping.”
The tennis legend admitted she had the time of her life on the hit BBC dance show, which helped her deal with the grief – but now that her time on Strictly is up, she has to face the prospect of her first Dealing with Christmas without Mel.
Speaking about returning to normal routine after Strictly, she said: “It's a bit strange. “My feet will come back down to earth very quickly. I didn't even have time to think because like I said on the show, every day it gave me the purpose to get up in the morning and check [professional partner] John [Radebe]put on my dance gear.
“My kids were an integral part of it all and I really couldn't have done it without them,” the star added.
Annabel gushed about her dance partner Johannes, 36, admitting the South African choreographer made her enjoy the experience until the very last moment.
Annabel – who came fourth on the BBC Latin and Ballroom show – said: “Nobody wanted to be in the house.” Because Mel was always carving the turkey. He made the ham and was always busy in the kitchen.
Adding: “He was always in the kitchen.” I enjoy a normal Christmas. I always feel like Christmas is a bit strange because I haven't had time for cards and my friends and family won't get any.
The tennis legend admitted she had the time of her life on the hit BBC dance show, which helped her deal with the grief – but now that her time on Strictly is up, she has to face the prospect of her first Dealing with Christmas without Mel
Annabel gushed about her dance partner Johannes, 36, admitting the South African choreographer made her enjoy the experience until the very last moment
About the finale she said: “I feel like I had an out-of-body experience and I feel weird when I think about it.” For me it was just nice to come back with Johannes. No pressure, no racing heart, just fun with group dancing.
About the finale she said: “I feel like I had an out-of-body experience and I feel weird when I think about it.” For me it was just nice to come back with Johannes. No pressure, no racing heart, just fun with group dancing.
“I think they all deserved to be there and they were all different in their own way.”
The tennis icon couldn't stop raving about Johannes as she compared him to a “religion” due to his radiant charisma.
“He's one of those people who comes into the room, has a light and brings so much joy.” He brings laughter. He has something different. If it were a religion, people would follow it.'
The Strictly favorite added: “People love being around him. “He's such a kind, loving person so there were a lot of emotions going on, but we laughed a lot together in the rehearsal room. I feel very, very blessed to have been with him.
Annabel will be appearing on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in 2024 and revealed she is very excited, despite not being with Johannes and not knowing what dance she will be doing yet.
“Of course we were sad, but he has his own tour and his body needs a break.” “I was put together with a very good friend of Johannes,” she said.
The star admitted she wants to “keep dancing” as she gets older and revealed she will begin rehearsals for the Strictly tour in January.
The sports icon went on to pay tribute to professional dancer Amy Dowden, 33, who was forced to take time off from the BBC show after being diagnosed with breast cancer this year, but was able to return for a guest appearance in Saturday's final after graduating Treatment.
“She got a huge cheer when the light fell on her for the group dance,” Annabel praised her.
Annabel praised Johannes: “He is one of those people who come into the room, have a light and bring so much joy.” He brings laughter. He has something different. If it was a religion people would follow it' (pictured together on Good Morning Britain in November)
The star admitted she wants to “keep dancing” as she gets older and revealed she will begin rehearsals for the Strictly tour in January
The sports icon went on to pay tribute to professional dancer Amy Dowden, 33, who was forced to take time off from the BBC show after being diagnosed with breast cancer this year, but was able to return for a guest appearance in Saturday's final after graduating Treatment (Amy pictured on Lorraine last week)
“She’s had a very difficult time lately and it’s just wonderful to see her enjoying herself out there.”
“Of course she had a foot injury too. “I just couldn't believe she was up there, it was fantastic. I wish her well and wish her all the best.'
Appearing on the daytime show, Annabel impressed in an olive midi dress and brown Chelsea boots.