Annabel Croft says ‘competitive’ side will come out on Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant Annabel Croft has explained how the BBC show has “come at the right time” in her life.
The tennis star, who has become the 14th celebrity contestant to join the line-up, sadly lost her husband Mel Coleman to cancer back in May.
She has said that she has signed up for the popular show to “enjoy the joyfulness of dancing”.
Annabel was the youngest British tennis player to compete at Wimbledon for almost a century at the age of 15 in 1984.
Now 57, the former junior champion and Tennis Academy founder is taking to the dance floor for a whole new challenge.
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Yesterday, Annabel appeared on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio to announce her exciting Strictly news.
She said: “My husband used to love watching Johannes [Radebe]. I just think he’s so amazing, that would be a dream to dance with him.
“I just admire so much what they do and I think dance is really what all of us should be doing every day, it releases so much tension, it gets your body moving, it’s so good for your brain and when you talk about the mental side of everything …
“It has just come at the right time for me and I hope I get rid of any stresses and just go out there and enjoy it.”
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Later on, the former athlete admitted that her form could you some work, explaining: “I’m a bit stiff, I’m going to be honest.
“I think my hips could do with a bit of WD40 but I’m hoping whoever I’m paired up with helps me improve.”
Annabel also revealed she had only found out that she had been picked for the show “in the last few days” and hasn’t danced for a number of years, save for the occasional TikTok routine with her daughters Charlie, 27, and Lily, 25.
“I have always loved this magical, magical show and my family have loved it but I’m also absolutely terrified at the same time,” she said.
“I know it’s a competition but I don’t really want to compete, other than with myself. I just want to enjoy the joyfulness of dancing.
“I’ve always loved watching dance, I could watch it all day. When I watch those professionals, I can’t take my eyes off [them] they’re so amazing.”
Other stars to join the Strictly line-up this year include Paralympic champion Jody Cundy, journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy and actress Amanda Abbington.
The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch airs weekdays from 6.30am on Virgin Radio.
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