Strictly’s Annabel Croft, 57, admits she’s ‘woken up muscles she hasn’t used in 45 years’ as she details the gruelling training regime: ‘I’ve been very stiff getting out of bed!’
Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft has admitted that she’s ‘woken up muscles she hasn’t used in 45 years’ after kicking off the show’s gruelling training regime.
The former tennis star, 57, told MailOnline that she’s been ‘very stiff’ getting out of bed in the mornings after beginning preparations for the launch show on Saturday.
Annabel previously revealed that she signed up for Strictly as her late husband Mel Coleman was a ‘huge fan’ of the show, joining stars including Zara McDermott, Angela Rippon and Nigel Harman in the lineup.
She said: ‘I feel like I’ve woken up muscles that haven’t been used in about 45 years, so it’s like, ”whoa, that’s a different feeling”. I think tomorrow I might be very stiff getting out of bed.’
Describing her first days of training, she added: ‘It’s a bit like a roller coaster ride. I mean, it’s like being thrown onto a roller coaster and just taking off and trying to trying to keep up.
Tough! Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft has admitted that she’s ‘woken up muscles she hasn’t used in 45 years’ after kicking off the show’s gruelling training regime
Getting involved:The former tennis ace has been put through her paces ahead of the new series, which launches imminently
‘It was a bit like if I was trying to give a a tennis lesson very quickly and. I’d be saying, well this is how you hold the racket?
‘This is how you hit a forehand and the backhand and the volley and a smash and a drop shot. You know, give it all in one go and now go out and play a match.
‘Oh my goodness, it’s a bit terrifying but it’s exhilarating.’
Admitting that she is ‘a bit stiff,’ Annabel added that she’s prepared to ‘take her ego away’ when being grilled by the judging panel, adding: ‘I don’t expect to be Roger Federer playing tennis out there!’
Annabel will take to the Strictly dancefloor in a group routine on Saturday when viewers will also learn the stars’ professional partners.
Hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will once again be returning to the panel.
The couples will then perform their debut dances on the first live show on September 23.
It comes after the tragic announcement of her husband Mel Coleman’s death from cancer in May.
Tough: The former tennis star (pictured at Wimbledon in 1987) told MailOnline that she’s been ‘very stiff’ getting out of bed in the morning after beginning her training
Heartwarming: Annabel previously revealed that she signed up for Strictly as her late husband Mel Coleman was a ‘huge fan’ of the show
The broadcaster insisted she won’t be taking herself ‘too seriously’ on the dance floor as she prepares to find out who her professional partner will be.
Annabel, who at 15 years old was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years, is now working as a highly respected pundit for all the major broadcasters including BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.
Annabel married former professional yachtsman Mel in 1992 and the pair – who enjoyed a healthy and active lifestyle – were left blindsided when Mel was diagnosed with stage three cancer after complaining of stomach pain.
He died eight weeks later at the age of 60.
She announced her husband’s death on May 26, and said she was ‘heartbroken’ by the ‘very sad’ news.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, September 16 at 6:35pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
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