'I'm heartbroken he's not here to see it': Annabel Croft devastated late husband won't see her Strictly performances

Annabel Croft is "heartbroken" her late husband won't see her dance on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

The 56-year-old former tennis ace signed up for the Latin and ballroom show because Mel Coleman - who died of cancer in May aged 60 just weeks after being diagnosed - was always a big fan of the competition and while she's devastated he isn't around to see her perform, she admitted training has been a welcome distraction from her grief.

She told reporters: “Mel always loved 'Strictly'. He’d cry watching it and I’m heartbroken he’s not here to see it.

“It’s been a terrible, terrible time and there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t cried.

“That’s why I think it’s good I’m doing something that will distract me. To be distracted, to be spending time doing something so wonderful and beautiful, is amazing.”

Annabel has three adult children with her late husband, Charlie, Amber and Lilly,and they are thrilled she's signed up for the show.

She said: “My two daughters are amazing dancers so they’re especially excited.”

The sports broadcaster insisted she isn't going to be competitive on the show and is just embracing the opportunity to learn a new skill and "find a little joy".

She said: “As a tennis player I am only competitive with myself. I don’t want to be competitive in the competition because we already know there are massive differences in how everyone moves and dances.

“I couldn’t possibly compare myself to a lot of them because they’re all amazing, so for me it’s about having joy and finding a little joy. I’m learning something new and I’m listening to the music and hopefully just going with the flow.”

'Strictly Come Dancing' returns on 16 September.