BBC Wimbledon presenter Annabel Croft has spoken emotionally about the death of her husband, Mel Coleman, three years after his passing, admitting that the family 'were naive' about the severity of his illness. The 59-year-old former tennis star reflected on the loss in a series of interviews, revealing that she still struggles to accept he is gone.
Husband Died Three Months After Cancer Diagnosis
Mel Coleman, a banker and Annabel's husband of 30 years, died in March 2023, just three months after being diagnosed with colon cancer. The disease ultimately led to sepsis, which Annabel described as 'a terrible way to go'. The life-threatening condition developed after one of his tumours perforated following a flight to Portugal.
Coleman opted against chemotherapy, a decision that one of their three children, Lily, said she is 'glad' he made. Annabel added: 'We couldn't understand what was going on. We were a bit naive. None of us knew that he was dying.'
Grief and Coping Through Strictly Come Dancing
In 2024, Annabel joined the line-up of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. She has credited the show and staying busy with helping her through her grief. However, she admits she still yearns for her late husband.
'I just feel like he's still there,' she told The Observer. 'Every day I say, "I cannot believe you're not here". I said it to him last night, to the picture next to my bed. It's just so bizarre. How can somebody just evaporate?'
Traumatic Flashbacks and Growing Pain
Annabel has previously revealed that she still experiences 'traumatic flashbacks' of the day she said goodbye. Speaking to The Sun's Fabulous magazine in 2024, she recalled: 'During his final hours, as he drifted in and out of consciousness, he started listing instructions like, "Change the tyre on the van" and then saying to the children, "Sorry I can't be there for your weddings". That memory breaks my heart.'
She added: 'Weirdly, the pain of grief feels like it's growing, rather than easing, because of the realisation that he's not coming back.'
Not Ready to Date Again
Three years on, Annabel said she still finds it impossible to consider dating someone new. Speaking recently to The Times, she said: 'I've had people asking for dinner dates. I'm, like, "You have no idea!" I'm not anywhere close to that. It gives me the heebies to think about it. It's never say never, but I wouldn't mind if it was never.'
She added: 'Still, I don't want to feel doom and gloom for the rest of my life. Mel would have wanted me to be happy. I try to live in the moment, to stay as present as you possibly can. It's the only way to be - like a sportsman.'
Wimbledon 2026 Punditry
Annabel is part of the BBC's Wimbledon 2026 punditry team alongside familiar faces including Tim Henman and John McEnroe. Wimbledon 2026 is set to be broadcast live on the BBC from Monday, 29 June until Sunday, 12 July 2026.
