Strictly's Annabel Croft shares admission on dating after tragic loss of husband

Annabel Croft tragically lost her husband Mel last May (Image: Getty)

Strictly star Annabel Croft has candidly shared her feelings on dating after the tragic loss of her husband last May, confessing that she might "never" be prepared to welcome someone new into her life.

The former tennis ace was left devastated when her spouse Mel Coleman, aged 60, passed away following a sudden cancer diagnosis just two months prior. The father of three, who had a successful career as a yachtsman and investment banker, seemed the picture of health before the illness struck, leaving the family in utter disbelief.

Annabel, now 58, reminisces about their first encounter back in the mid-80s while working together on a BBC yacht racing programme. Their romance blossomed, leading to their wedding in 1992 in Kent, and they later became proud parents to Amber, Charlie, and Lily.

However, with nearly a year and a half gone by, Annabel is still profoundly affected by her dear husband's passing, openly admitting that the thought of dating or finding love again isn't even on her horizon. In a heartfelt interview, the sports icon and television personality revealed her current state of mind.

The Strictly star shared two children with her late husband (Image: Getty)

In a conversation with The Times regarding the prospect of new romantic connections, she expressed: "I've had people asking for dinner dates. I'm, like, 'You have no idea!' I'm not anywhere close to that. It gives me the heebies to think about it. It's never say never, but I wouldn't mind if it was never."

Tennis legend Annabel has opened up about her heartache, admitting that while she's uncertain about the future of her romantic endeavours, she's convinced the feeling of "doom and gloom" won't last forever.

She insists on "living in the moment" and believes that joy is exactly what her late partner Mel would have desired for her. In a touching tribute, she revealed how Mel had adored Johannes Radebe from Strictly Come Dancing—the very dancer she was eventually paired with—describing him as his favourite and how he was "blown away" by Johannes' talent.

The couple were inseparable (Image: Getty)

Despite finding it "weird" as a football enthusiast, Mel was "obsessed" with the dance show, often gathering the family to watch Johannes perform.

During an emotional segment on This Morning, Wimbledon star Annabel spoke candidly about her sorrow, confessing that she still experiences overwhelming bouts of crying. On 24 September, she joined hosts Ben Shephard, Cat Deeley, and guest agony aunt Dear Deidre, along with a caller, to discuss the importance of embracing one's emotions.

Annabel appeared on the ITV show alongside the renowned advice columnist Dear Deidre, providing guidance to viewers grappling with recent bereavements. A woman who had lost her brother in a tragic car accident at just 23 years old called in, seeking solace and support from Annabel and Deirdre. The former tennis champion offered comforting words to the caller, emphasising: "I think grief is very personal."