Tennis legend and TV presenter Annabel Croft revealed as Strictly Come Dancing’s 14th star
TENNIS legend Annabel Croft has signed up for Strictly Come Dancing.
The former sportswoman, 57, who provides expert insight for the BBC at Wimbledon, was confirmed this morning.
She said: “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.”
Annabel is a former British number one tennis player who, at 15 years old, was the youngest British player to compete at Wimbledon for 95 years.
She also represented Great Britain in prestigious Wightman and Federation Cup competitions.
Outside of tennis, Annabel has fronted entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor and enjoyed a long broadcasting career covering all the major tennis events worldwide.
Earlier today, former EastEnders star Nigel Harman was also confirmed for the show.
The soap hunk appeared on today’s edition of Lorraine and said: “I’m excited to be out and proud now.”
He told Christine Lampard: “I think I’m realising since I said yes to it, in my my mind, I think I’m a better dancer than my body tells me.”
His Casualty co-star and former Strictly star Charles Venn had some sage advice for him, too.
Nigel said: “He took me aside and got really serious and said ‘you’ve got to do cardio’.
“He said ‘there’s nothing else to do than just be yourself’.”
The actor, whose birthday is tomorrow, is feeling a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of taking to the dancefloor.
He added: “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!”
The 49-year-old heartthrob played Dennis Rickman on Albert Square, who married his adopted sister Sharon, played by Letitia Dean.
Nigel’s EastEnders character was killed off in 2006 when he was stabbed on New Year’s Day and died in Sharon’s arms.
He went on to star in Downton Abbey as evil valet Mr Green. The character was at the centre of a violent rape scene involving lady’s maid Anna, played by Joanne Froggatt.
These days Nigel can be seen on BBC soap Casualty playing doctor Max Christie.
The actor has had limited dance experience in his career having performed in 2014’s I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical.