Strictly Come Dancing returns for a 21st series this autumn, with 15 celebrity contestants competing against each other in the popular BBC show.
Former professional tennis player turned broadcaster Annabel Croft is one of the participants on this year’s show.
But who exactly is Annabel Croft? What has she said about joining Strictly Come Dancing? Does she have any children?
Read on below for everything you need to know about Annabel Croft.
Touching: Annabel Croft has said that she wanted to go on Strictly because her husband, who died of cancer earlier in 2023, loved the show
In his memory: Croft married professional yachtsman Mel Coleman in 1992. Tragically, Coleman died from cancer aged 60 in May 2023 (pictured 2010)
Who is Annabel Croft?
Annabel Croft is a British former professional tennis player and current radio and television presenter. She was born in 1966 in Farnborough, Kent.
Croft, 57, was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years when she entered the tournament aged 15.
She also represented Great Britain in the prestigious Wightman and Federation Cup competitions, before retiring from the sport at the age of just 21.
Since hanging up her racquet, she has had a successful career in broadcasting, becoming a familiar face at Wimbledon and other major tennis tournaments.
Outside of tennis, Annabel has fronted entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Interceptor.
What has Annabel Croft said about joining Strictly?
Athlete: She is a former tennis player who has transitioned into the world of TV since retiring
Annabel wanted to go on Strictly because her husband, who died of cancer earlier this year, loved the show.
Croft married professional yachtsman Mel Coleman in 1992. Tragically, Coleman died from cancer aged 60 in May 2023.
After her appearance was announced on the Virgin Radio Breakfast Show with Ricky Wilson, Annabel told Ricky: ‘I am beyond excited. I’ve always loved this magical, magical show.’
She added: ‘I’m also a bit terrified at the same time!
‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process,’ Croft concluded.
Ace: Croft (pictured in 1986) was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years when she entered the tournament aged 15
Does Annabel Croft have any children?
Croft has three children: a son called Charlie, as well as two daughters named Amber and Lily. They are all grown up and have their own careers and interests.
Charlie works as a filmmaker, Amber is a model and actress, and Lily is a singer and songwriter.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
