Strictly's Annabel thanks "angel" Johannes after emotional routine
Strictly Come Dancing's Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe gave fans a "perfect" performance tonight (November 4), which was dedicated to Croft's late husband Mel Coleman.
Having selected the tune 'Wings' by Birdy for their Couple's Choice routine, the duo proceeded to blow away the four judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood - resulting in a solid score of 35 for their routine.
In the VT, former tennis player Croft said: "I think this dance is definitely a tribute to Mel, I think it couldn't be anything other than that. As soon as we met I was just taken by his massive smile and his great sense of humour.
"We were supposed to have our 30th wedding anniversary this year and I never, ever saw what's happened, coming...", adding, "I just want to tell people just to live in the moment."
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Having watched the couple's emotive execution of the choreography, Ballas was seen holding two tissues while she gave her critique of the "divine" routine, before Du Beke claimed that sometimes technique isn't as important and it should just be about the dance.
Mabuse added: "I thought actually that was your best dance and it's so beautiful that that was your best dance...
"But I think the most important thing is what you said in the VT, is that we have to live like we've only got today. That was the biggest message and that's for all of us. Thank you."
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Speaking to co-host Claudia Winkleman in the aftermath, Croft reflected on a "really emotional week" that included taking pro partner Radebe to her local Richmond Park, where she and Mel would often visit.
"It's been difficult not to keep bursting into tears over it, but I so wanted to take Johannes to Richmond Park where I did walk every day with him and sat on that bench so many times," she smiled, turning to the dancer.
"I was so thrilled to take you there and you know, you have been an angel in my life and you've brought so much joy back to my life. So thank you!"
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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