Strictly Star Annabel Croft Opens Up About the Deeper Pain of Her Husband's Tragic Passing.

Annabel Croft, a prominent figure from Strictly, has shared the profound sorrow her family experienced following the death of her husband, Mel Coleman. Mel, who was a former professional tennis player, passed away in 2023 at the age of 60 after battling stage 4 colon cancer. His unexpected death left Annabel, 58, in a state of disbelief, as she expressed to The Sunday Times, "I was in shock. I'm still in shock. I still can't believe Mel's been taken from us; it's unthinkable."

The loss was particularly poignant for their three children—Amber, 30, Charlie, 28, and Lily, 26—who were at significant milestones in their lives when Mel received his diagnosis. Annabel reflected, "If he'd just lived two or three more years, he'd have seen all his children married."

She recounted the bittersweet nature of Amber's wedding this past summer, noting that Charlie is engaged and Lily is in a serious relationship, which adds to her heartbreak not only for the family but also for Mel. In the interview, Annabel also discussed the emotional journey of retrieving Mel's ashes, a process that took her 11 months. Initially unable to face the task, she ultimately felt it was important for him to be home in time for their daughter's wedding. Regarding the placement of his ashes, she shared, "When we got home, I put him down by the fireplace, but then I worried we might knock him over.

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So I decided to place him next to the bed. Now he's under the bedside table on his side of the bed, next to me." Last year, Annabel participated in Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, finishing in fourth place, just shy of the final. She described the experience as a much-needed distraction from her grief.

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Annabel Croft

During her appearance on Good Morning Britain, she shared, "This has come at an incredibly tough moment in my life, a very dark period, but you [Johannes] have truly brought so much light into my world. Honestly, you've been like an angel to me, and I can't thank you enough.

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I really can't imagine where I would be without Strictly Come Dancing during this time, as it has provided a much-needed distraction from my overwhelming grief. I had no idea what grief truly felt like. Having a reason to get up in the morning and a purpose, instead of just crying at home, has been invaluable, even though those moments still happen."