Strictly’s Annabel Croft moved viewers to tears as she paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband Mel Coleman on Saturday night’s show.
The former tennis player, 57, cried as she thought of her beloved partner before dancing her lyrical routine “Couple’s Choice” with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, 36.
Annabel’s late husband and father of her three children, Charlie, Amber and Lilly, died in May aged 60, just weeks after he was diagnosed with stage three cancer.
Annabel said: “This week is Couple’s Choice and we’re doing 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 else.
“When we met, I was just captivated by his big smile and great sense of humor. We were supposed to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this year and I never thought it would happen.
Always remembered: Strictly’s Annabel Croft moved viewers to tears as she paid a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband Mel Croft on Saturday night’s show
Devastating: The 57-year-old tennis player remembered her beloved partner as she danced her lyrical routine ‘Couple’s Choice’ following his tragic death earlier this year (pictured in 2021)
“He received the diagnosis on January 31 and was told he didn’t have much longer. ‘I don’t think I could survive without the children.’
Her daughter Lily then told her mother: “I don’t think I recognize you from when you started Strictly until today. “You’re so amazing now.
“My dad always loved watching Strictly. He loved watching Johannes. He’s definitely the angel she needed as much as he did.”
Annabel took Johannes to a bench in Richmond Park that she and Mel went to every day and sat on. She burst into tears and told Johannes about the wonderful memories they had together.
The dance moved head judge Shirley Ballas and presenter Claudia Winkleman to tears.
They scored an eight from Craig Revel-Horwood and nines from Shirley, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke, giving them a total of 35 out of 40 points.
Viewers took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to comment on the strong performance.
They wrote: “I am in ruins.” Such a moving and beautiful dance” and “Annabel and Johannes. The couple’s choice. So emotional, I have tears in my eyes.
“Watching Annabel Croft dance like a lot of men pretending I don’t cry.” Anyone who has lost someone has been right there. See you!’ (sic).
Annabel said: “He was diagnosed on January 31 and told he didn’t have much longer. “I don’t think I could survive without the children,” before describing John as an angel
Devastating: Annabel’s late husband and father of her three children Charlie, Amber and Lilly died earlier this year aged 60, just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer
Touching: The dance moved head judge Shirley Ballas and presenter Claudia Winkleman to tears
Postponed: Viewers took to X – formerly known as Twitter – to comment on the strong performance
Strictly 2023: Week 7 leaderboard
Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola – American Smooth to Ain’t That A Kick In The Head by Robbie Williams – 39 out of 40 points
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin – Jive to Shake Ur Body by Shy FX, T.Power, Di – 36 out of 40 points
Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe – Couple’s Choice for Wings from Birdy – 35 out of 40 points
Nigel Harman and Katya Jones – Tango Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Miley Cyrus – 33 out of 40 points
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell – Argentine Tango for Sailing by AWOLNATION -30 out of 40 points
Krishnan Guru-Murthy and Lauren Oakley – Couple’s Choice to You Can Call Me Al by Paul Simon – 29 out of 40 points
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington – Waltz to Fascination by Nat King Cole – 28 out of 40 points
Adam Thomas and Luba Mushtuk – American Rumba to Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott – 27 out of 40 points
Angela Scanlon and Carlos Gu – Samba to Ain’t It Funny by Jennifer Lopez – 27 out of 40 points
“Johannes is such a sweet soul” and “Annabel and Johannes – that hug at the end lasted far too long, but otherwise it was a nice routine.”
“It was a strange scenario. I was about to go out in front of millions of people and be cheerful and happy, but I was sobbing and thinking, ‘I don’t know where you are, Mel.’ Where have you gone?’.’
Strictly fans will know that former tennis ace Annabel came into the competition from a difficult situation.
The radio presenter revealed in a recent interview with The Chron that she had “cried” over her loss the night before her debut on the BBC show.
They had been together for 36 years and he was her first serious boyfriend. “There was never anyone else,” she said.
Sadness: Annabel previously revealed she was “sobping” the night before her debut on the show (pictured on her wedding day).
The only person who could have given her a pep talk and a “you can do it” hug like he had done her entire adult life wasn’t there.
“So I just sat there and cried,” she remembers. “Mel was my biggest supporter, my protector.” He gave me confidence. He did things right, he always had. I wanted to talk to him. I wanted to say, “I’m really nervous about tomorrow, but I don’t have you to fix it.”
The speed was particularly brutal. Mel, an extremely healthy former circumnavigator, passed from diagnosis to death within 16 weeks.
“That’s unthinkable,” said Annabel. “How can someone disappear in three months?” We didn’t even know he was sick.
“The day they said, ‘Cancer and it’s everywhere,’ I just went into complete free fall.” I was one of those wailing women in the hospital parking lot.
“Poor Mel was the one who was told he was going to die and he comforted me.” Three months later I picked up a death certificate and our three children had to deal with the fact that their father’s name was on it.
“Our son Charlie said it was as if a hand had come down from heaven and ripped Mel out, leaving our family with a gaping hole that would never be filled.”
She said that Mel’s suits – “his beautiful linen suits that he would wear at Wimbledon” – are still hanging in the wardrobe. She accidentally picked up his toothbrush the other day and stood there shocked. “I should throw it away. ‘I can’t.’
Annabel was unable to collect his ashes from the crematorium. “I know I have to,” she says. “People say it’s a comfort to have them, but I just can’t do it.” Ash? Mel?
“I didn’t understand what grief was until now.” I didn’t even understand death, had never thought about it. Now I’m thinking, ‘God, Mel, you caused the death.’ How is that even possible?’ How can I be a widow? “We were a team.”
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: THE PROFILES OF THE PARTICIPANTS
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: journalist
Angela said: “I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one and as a former Come Dancing presenter this will be quite an adventure for me.” “A scary proposition considering I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe learning to dance the Argentine tango.”
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: actress
Amanda says: “I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. “I’m actually very shy and self-conscious, so this is a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.”
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: actor
Layton says: “I’m absolutely delighted to confirm that I’ll be taking part in the UK’s most famous dance competition!” It’s time to take it to the ballroom. I really enjoy learning new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Age: 53
Profession: journalist
Krishnan says: “I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to be taking part in Strictly on a ‘you only live once’ basis. “I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I’m a little worried about my general weakness.”
Age: 40
Occupation: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says, “WOW. Anyone who knows me understands that music and dance are so important and central to me. I am so incredibly proud and honored that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 team. I promise you I will give it everything I have. This will be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Occupation: TV presenter
Angela says: “I’m not particularly fit, I have no idea how my pelvic floor will react to this dancing. “I’ve never done any other dances except drunken jiving at a wedding!”
Age: 26
Occupation: Documentary filmmaker and former Love Island star
Zara says: “I’m so excited to be joining the world of Strictly!” I grew up with my grandma watching the film every year and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We danced around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.”
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Occupation: Actor and presenter
Adam says: “I can’t dance to save my life, but I’m excited to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. ‘Get me on the dance floor… I can’t wait!’
Age: 22
Occupation: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: “It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!!” It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!”
Age: 20
Occupation: EastEnders star and model
Bobby said: “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line-up that I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and add some moves to my repertoire.” “I’m excited “Looking forward to performing in front of everyone.”
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: actor
Nigel says: “I’m amazed, excited and scared to be doing Strictly.” As an armchair fan of the show, I watched in awe as people twisted and turned around the screen. And now it’s my turn…Gulp!’
Age: 57
Occupation: Broadcaster and former tennis player
Annabel said: “I’ve always loved watching Strictly and I can’t believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joy along the way.”