Former tennis player Annabel Croft appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2023 alongside Johannes Radebe,.
Annabel Croft has been flooded with congratulations after revealing some delightful family news.
The former tennis pro appeared on Strictly Come Dancing two years ago when she competed alongside Johannes Radebe. This series, BBC fans have seen Johannes take to the dancefloor with Alex Kingston, who recently opened up on her cancer diagnosis.
This week, Annabel has announced that she’s welcomed her first grandchild and melted hearts by sharing a sweet snap of herself cradling the little one.
Taking to Instagram, she captioned the adorable post: “Officially a granny. my new name in the fam is grannabel xxx hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend.”
Followers were quick to shower her with heartwarming messages celebrating the joyous announcement.
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One admirer wrote: “Congratulations to the most glamorous Granabel.” Another supporter added: “Congratulations darling Annabel! So much love to you and the family.”
A third well-wisher also remarked: “Wow congratulations! You will love every minute! Xx.” Someone else wrote: “You’ll be the best Granny ever.”
While another added: “Congratulations to you and all your family. This is wonderful news. Enjoy every special moment.”
The former tennis champion tragically lost her beloved husband, Mel, to bowel cancer in May 2023, just months before she graced the BBC dancing show, reports the Express.
Her Strictly journey came to an end during the series 21 semi-final, falling just short of securing a spot in the grand finale the following week.
Throughout her Strictly stint, Annabel battled against Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach, EastEnders’ Bobby Brazier, and West End performer Layton Williams, all vying for the prestigious Glitterball Trophy.
Mel, who died at the age of 60 in May, was a skilled yachtsman and investment banker who wed Annabel in 1993.
The pair were blessed with three children; Amber Rose, Lily and Charlie. Annabel has previously opened up about how Strictly proved to be a lifeline during her bereavement following her husband’s death.
She explained: “When people ask why I did Strictly so soon after, I think, ‘Gosh, why would I not say yes?’ What was I going to do – come back to an empty house and cry all evening? I’ve subsequently realised how helpful it was to get up every day instead of sitting in this house, which my husband built.”
She continued: “Coming back to a house that used to be full of life, full of Mel, but was suddenly empty, was terrifying.
“I was in grief and crying every day, so to have that focus of doing something positive and distracting the brain was really an incredibly healing process and I’m very grateful I had the opportunity. I’m not sure how I would have got through that winter without it, to be honest.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday, 1 November on BBC One at 6:35pm
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