Strictly Come Dancing viewers found themselves reaching for the tissues on Saturday night as Annabel Croft and her professional partner Johannes Radebe delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in the show's history.
A Dance Filled With Heartbreak
The former tennis star performed a breathtaking contemporary routine to 'Wicked Game' by Tom Ellis, dedicating every movement to her late husband Mel Coleman, who tragically passed away from cancer just months before she joined the BBC competition.
As the final notes faded, an overwhelmed Annabel broke down in tears, comforted immediately by her supportive dance partner. The raw emotion displayed in the ballroom left both audience members and judges visibly moved.
Viewers' Emotional Reactions Flood Social Media
Strictly fans took to social media platforms to express how deeply the performance had affected them. One viewer tweeted: "Annabel and Johannes' dance has completely broken me. The most beautiful, heartfelt tribute to her husband."
Another emotional fan wrote: "I'm not crying, you're crying! What an absolutely stunning and meaningful performance from Annabel. Pure emotion and storytelling through dance."
Judges' Verdict on the Powerful Performance
The judging panel awarded the pair an impressive 35 points, with head judge Shirley Ballas praising Annabel's "incredible emotional journey" and "beautiful storytelling."
Craig Revel Horwood, known for his critical eye, described the routine as "absolutely stunning" and "filled with genuine emotion," while Anton Du Beke highlighted the "perfect partnership" between Annabel and Johannes.
A Journey of Healing Through Dance
In pre-recorded segments before the performance, Annabel opened up about how Strictly has provided a much-needed distraction during her grieving process. She described the show as "a little bit of light" during her darkest days.
Professional partner Johannes has been widely praised for his sensitive handling of the partnership, creating a safe space for Annabel to express her emotions through movement while honouring her husband's memory.
The powerful routine has positioned Annabel and Johannes as strong contenders for the Glitterball Trophy, with many viewers now emotionally invested in their Strictly journey.
