Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe praises Annabel Croft over tragedies

05 May 2024 , 20:44

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Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe pose backstage ahead of a performance of "Johannes Radebe: House Of Jojo" at The London Palladium on May 4, 2024 (Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)

Strictly star Johannes Radebe has heaped praise on Annabel Croft for helping him to grieve in the last series.

Both the dancer and tennis pundit were dealing with anguish, Johannes after his cousin’s suicide and Annabel following the death of her husband Mel Coleman. South African Johannes, 37, said that he had considered quitting the hit BBC show before being partnered with Anna­­bel. In a further show of support, she joined him at the launch of his House of Jojo tour at the London Palladium on Saturday.

Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe during their appearance on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing (PA)

Johannes said: “Strictly can be hard because you never know what is going to happen. I was dreading it because it’s six months and you don’t know who you will be paired with. But then I was paired with this wonderful woman. Not only did Annabel make sure I was OK emotionally, her family also opened their doors to me.”

Other Strictly faces in the audience included Countdown star Rachel Riley and her pro dancer husband Pasha Kovalev. Johannes said visa issues had kept several family members away.

Ashleigh Rainbird