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Strictly star Annabel Croft says she felt 'heartbroken' and a 'gut wrenching pain' when the show ended as she describes her first Christmas since the loss of her beloved husband a 'nightmare'

Strictly star Annabel Croft says she felt 'lost' and 'heartbroken' when the BBC show ended - and describes her first Christmas since the tragic loss of her beloved husband a 'nightmare.'

Ahead of the Strictly tour, which begins on Friday in Birmingham, Annabel admits she is 'sad' not to be performing with Johannes after crediting the professional dancer for helping to gain back her confidence following her traumatic year. The tennis ace was widowed in May after her husband of 36 years Mel Coleman died from cancer but said competing on Strictly alongside partner Johannes Radebe had given her a new lease of life (pictured June 2021) And it was the family's first festive season since losing Mel, with Annabel saying that she flew to Saudi Arabia for a work commitment on Christmas Day evening to momentarily escape the pain.

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