BBC Strictly Come Dancing celebrity posts poignant picture with spouse prior to his untimely passing.

 

Former tennis champion and current Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Annabel Croft, 57, has shared a poignant photograph from a previous holiday with her late husband, Mel Coleman.

In a Q&A session with her 29,000 Instagram followers, Annabel opened up about her cherished memories of frequently jetting off to Portugal with Mel to visit their beloved getaway spot.

She accompanied her heartfelt sentiments with a sun-drenched photograph of the couple on a sandy beach, with Annabel wearing a crochet dress and her arm tenderly encircling her husband’s waist.

During the Q&A, Annabel also disclosed her enthusiasm for an adrenaline-pumping pursuit – wing-walking, an activity that entails walking on the wings of a plane while it’s in flight.

Reflecting on her daring experience, she shared, “I did wing walking for a TV show, many years ago, that was filmed in Argentina. Madness and terrifying but exhilarating too!”

Annabel, who has been enchanting Strictly audiences with her performances alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe, also discussed Mel when a fan inquired about the “most impressive hair” she’d ever encountered.

She playfully attributed this to her late husband, sharing a photograph of him with his striking mane billowing in the wind whilst driving an open-top car.

With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she went on to mention that fellow sports presenter Andy Goldstein was a “close contender.”

Annabel, who still senses Mel’s presence in her life, having been married for an impressive 36 years, expressed that the diversion of Strictly has provided therapeutic solace for her.

She told the Daily Mail, “I find performing terrifying. I feel physically sick, but at least the effort involved means your brain doesn’t have room for anything else.

“It’s bringing joy, or at least a glimmer of it, back into my life… Johannes is like an angel who came into my life to alleviate the pain, a little.”

Annabel made history as the youngest Brit to compete at Wimbledon in almost a century, entering the prestigious tournament at just 15 years old and securing the championship three years later.

Her life took an unexpected turn when she met Mel, a yachtsman, during their appearance on a TV show that aimed to teach you about sailing.

In an Instagram post, she shared that her training sessions with her professional partner had undeniably enhanced her flexibility and suppleness.

When asked by a fan if she planned to return the favour by teaching Johannes how to play tennis, she replied, “Not yet. I am definitely going to get him on the tennis court and give him a lesson after we have finished Strictly, though.”

Annabel described Johannes as a “ball of joyful, positive, loving energy” and expressed her overwhelming love for her Strictly experience, deeming it “amazing and so magical.”

For fans of Strictly Come Dancing, the show continues to air on BBC One and iPlayer every Saturday and Sunday.