Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is now underway, and among the stars looking to samba their way to success in series 21 of the dancing show is 57-year-old former tennis ace Annabel Croft.
Annabel was the youngest Briton to compete at Wimbledon in 95 years, participating in the internationally recognised tournament at just 15 years old.
Annabel joins the likes of Channel 4 newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Love Island star Zara McDermott and Family Fortunes legend Les Dennis in the line-up – with all of the celebrities and their partners taking to the ballroom in the hopes of impressing the strictly judges.
As the show begins, we are already getting to know our celebrity contestants better – and Annabel has made mention of her late husband.
So, who was Annabel’s husband, and what happened to him?
What happened to Annabel Croft’s husband?
Annabel Croft’s husband was named Mel Coleman.
Tragically, he died of cancer in May this year, aged 60 years old.
While Mel appears to have mainly avoided the spotlight, the Express reports that he was a professional yachtsman and investment banker – and that the couple married 30 years ago in 1993.
Annabel and Mel had three children together – Charlie, Amber and Lily – who are all reportedly thrilled their mother has signed up for the show.
Mr Coleman was also a big fan of Strictly, and Annabel has previously talked of how she is ‘heartbroken’ her late husband won’t get to watch her dance in the competition.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, the tennis star said: ‘Mel always loved Strictly.
‘He’d cry watching it and I’m completely heartbroken he’s not here to watch with me.’
‘It’s been a terrible, terrible time and there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t cried. That’s why I think it’s good I’m doing something that will distract me.
‘To be distracted, to be spending time doing something so wonderful and beautiful, is amazing.’
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