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Annabel Croft is all set for for Strictly Come Dancing 2023!

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, and continues to play an integral role in the coverage of Wimbledon each year and has done for many years.

Outside of tennis, Annabel has fronted entertainment shows such as Treasure Hunt and Inceptor and has enjoyed a long lasting broadcast career covering all the major tennis events worldwide. Her TV and radio career includes presenting, commentating, and working as a highly respected pundit for all the major broadcasters including BBC, Sky, Amazon Prime, ITV and Discovery.

Annabel 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 joins Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda, Ellie Leach, Jody Cundy, Bobby Brazier and Nigel Harman in our line-up. Follow @bbcstrictly for all the latest announcements.

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71 comments

  • Comment posted by Macky5, at 13:06 10 Aug 2023

    My last message just disappeared. Apologies if this is just a repeat. I just wanted to say as a fellow widow I'm in awe of Annabels courage and I hope the joy of Strictly gives her a lift as Christmas approaches. Good luck Annabel. You are amazing.

    • Reply posted by Mrs Sunshine, at 14:45 10 Aug 2023

      Mrs Sunshine replied:
      ❤️

  • Comment posted by Willie Gallacher, at 09:55 10 Aug 2023

    Oh that,s a surprise...........I see her throughout the year commenting on the tennis all over the world.
    She has had a massively sad family loss recently so SCD will hopefully help to lift her spirit.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKxRor4k8hM

  • Comment posted by Jen, at 09:55 10 Aug 2023

    Wow! What a good signing. I’m sure she’ll do well. The programme will do her good after her recent loss.

    • Reply posted by flamingo, at 09:59 10 Aug 2023

      flamingo replied:
      I didn’t know about her loss but hope this will help her.

  • Comment posted by Bettyboop, at 09:52 10 Aug 2023

    Wow....I wasn't expecting this. A classy lady, great tennis player and commentator.

  • Comment posted by Dolphinhead, at 18:16 10 Aug 2023

    Annabel Croft is such a kind soul and has a terrible year - hope SCD can sprinkle some magic for her and the children - Please all remember she also did win JR Wimbledon

    • Reply posted by Karen Webb, at 09:49 11 Aug 2023

      Karen Webb replied:
      I didn't know what had happened, just read about it. So sad. As you said, I hope SCD can go some way to help her and her family

  • Comment posted by JudyS, at 13:49 10 Aug 2023

    It is so lovely to see Annabel in the line up. She has gone through such a lot in recent months she will be a great addition. She will definitely get my support. Good luck Annabel.

  • Comment posted by OddOder, at 13:54 10 Aug 2023

    A very welcome and classy addition to this year's show.

  • Comment posted by MavisOne, at 09:52 10 Aug 2023

    What a great signing! Well coordinated and still playing so fit. Should be a front runner if she has musicality.
    Have the best time Annabel 💃

  • Comment posted by Nicky91, at 13:36 10 Aug 2023

    i knew we would get a tennis star this year, i was more thinking of Laura Robson but this is far better, Annabel is a great addition to this line up

  • Comment posted by frankie, at 10:01 10 Aug 2023

    Even if she can't dance, hopefully she will get loads of joy on the show as she really needs it after her husband died in May.

  • Comment posted by Macky5, at 13:02 10 Aug 2023

    I am in awe of Annabel after her recent trauma. I wish her all the very best with Strictly and hope it lifts her a little as Christmas approaches. I will be voting for her courage. GO TEAM ANNABEL.

  • Comment posted by Alex, at 09:59 10 Aug 2023

    Initially I wasn't that impressed with the line up, but I've got to say now the full roll call has been announced I think it's turning out quite nicely with the normal blend of different characters. Is there one more rock star announcement to blow us all away? Let's hope so.

    • Reply posted by SarahLou, at 11:51 10 Aug 2023

      SarahLou replied:
      It's the most disappointing line-up ever, in my opinion. How the BBC can call these contestants 'celebrities' is beyond me!!

  • Comment posted by deb, at 00:13 11 Aug 2023

    Glad she joined might bring her some happiness seeing she had tough year

  • Comment posted by graham, at 09:11 11 Aug 2023

    Don’t anyone whinge this year that they’ve never heard of this year’s contingent,unless of course you only watch Netflix!

  • Comment posted by Summerskye, at 10:14 10 Aug 2023

    Hope the show brings her some joy . She comes across as a lovely lady . Good luck 🤞 ❤️

    • Reply posted by strictly speaking, at 11:01 10 Aug 2023

      strictly speaking replied:
      Oh yes remember now, hadn't her Husband/partner passed away recently? Best wishes to Annabel. Maybe this will bring some positivity into her life and help a bit.

  • Comment posted by Gill Hulme, at 13:02 10 Aug 2023

    She will be a great addition to the line up. Super excited to watch them all on their “journey”. It does not bother me if I don’t know them, it’s a great entertainment show.

  • Comment posted by Steve, at 10:08 10 Aug 2023

    Wow, Annabel is a surprise! I think she will do very well, she'll be light on her feet, she's fit in more ways than one and I wouldn't bet against her making the final. I look forward to seeing her immensley!

  • Comment posted by MavisOne, at 15:49 10 Aug 2023

    I've just checked back on last year's posts to discover that after two on the Thursday the fifteenth celebrity was announced on the Saturday😩
    Maybe nothing tomorrow🙄🙄🤞🤞

    • Reply posted by Mildred, at 16:00 10 Aug 2023

      Mildred replied:
      Not sure I want to wait that long!
      Interesting fact and Thanks. 😃
      Patience is a virtue, so the saying goes - and that would mean this blog will stay open longer...

  • Comment posted by Mildred, at 15:36 10 Aug 2023

    14 down, 1 to go, but who?
    I have not a clue or idea. I personally would like to see a singer/band member, thinking of both Harry Judd and Jay McGuiness.

    • Reply posted by Suzanne, at 15:45 10 Aug 2023

      Suzanne replied:
      There have been a LOT of rumours about Owain Wyn Evans so you might be disappointed... that said I am not convinced by the rumour mill

  • Comment posted by Gary, at 13:56 10 Aug 2023

    Good choice!