Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left reaching for the tissues during Saturday's final as Annabel Croft delivered a heart-wrenching performance dedicated to her late husband Mel Coleman, who passed away earlier this year.
The former tennis professional, who was partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, chose their beautiful showdance to Wings by Birdy as her final performance on the BBC competition. What made this moment particularly poignant was Annabel's revelation that this was the dance she would have performed for her husband had he been alive to see her Strictly journey.
An Emotional Revelation
Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman after her performance, Annabel fought back tears as she explained: "I just felt that every step I was thinking of him and I just wanted to make him proud. I just wish he was here."
The 57-year-old sports commentator continued, her voice thick with emotion: "If he was here, I would have wanted to dance that for him."
Viewers Overwhelmed by Raw Emotion
The emotional moment didn't just affect Annabel and Johannes - Strictly fans across the nation found themselves equally moved. Social media platforms immediately flooded with messages of support and admiration for the dancer's courage and vulnerability.
One viewer tweeted: "Annabel dancing her show dance for her late husband has finished me. So beautiful and emotional."
Another wrote: "Annabel's dance for her husband is the most beautiful, emotional thing I've ever seen on Strictly."
A Journey of Healing Through Dance
Throughout her Strictly journey, Annabel has been open about how difficult this year has been following her husband's sudden passing from cancer just months before she joined the show. Many viewers have watched her transformation from grieving widow to confident dancer with admiration.
Her partnership with Johannes has been widely praised, with the professional dancer offering both technical expertise and emotional support throughout the competition. Their connection was palpable in every performance, but never more so than in this final tribute.
Though Annabel didn't lift the Glitterball Trophy, with the honour going to Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, many fans felt she won something far more valuable - the hearts of the nation and a beautiful way to honour her husband's memory.
