Former tennis ace Annabel Croft, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, has been flooded with congratulations after sharing a sweet family update.
Alexandra Bullard What’s On, Showbiz and TV Writer and Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
08:44, 29 Oct 2025
Annabel Croft has been overwhelmed with messages of congratulations following her announcement of some delightful family news.
The sports star appeared on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2023 when she competed alongside Johannes Radebe. Currently, Johannes is partnered with Alex Kingston, who recently opened up on her ‘tough’ journey to motherhood.
This week, Annabel shared some thrilling news with her followers, announcing that she’s recently welcomed her first grandchild.
Taking to Instagram, the former BBC star wrote: “Officially a granny. my new name in the fam is grannabel xxx hope you’ve all had a wonderful weekend.”
It wasn’t long before her followers rushed to offer their congratulations on the joyful announcement.
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One admirer commented: “Congratulations to the most glamorous Granabel.” Another supporter added: “Congratulations darling Annabel! So much love to you and the family.”
A third well-wisher 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.”
Annabel Croft has been inundated with support (Image: Getty)
The former tennis professional tragically lost her husband Mel, to bowel cancer in May 2023, mere months before participating in the BBC dancing programme, reports the Express.
She departed the competition during the series 21 semi-final, just missing out on securing a spot in the finale the subsequent week.
Throughout Strictly, Annabel faced competition from Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach, EastEnders’ Bobby Brazier, and West End performer Layton Williams as they all vied for the prestigious Glitterball Trophy.
Mel, who died at the age of 60, worked as both a professional sailor and investment banker, wedding Annabel in 1993.
The pair had three children together; Amber Rose, Lily and Charlie. Annabel has previously spoken about how Strictly assisted her in navigating her bereavement following her husband’s death.
Annabel Croft was paired with Johannes but narrowly missed out on the final(Image: Getty)
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
