Annabel Croft husband Mel Coleman was her rock for over three decades. The former tennis champion and beloved BBC presenter has spoken openly about the devastating loss of her husband, who died in May 2023. Therefore, their love story has touched the hearts of millions.
From their chance meeting on a sailing programme to building a family and business together, Mel was central to Annabel’s world. As a result, his sudden passing left her navigating grief in the public eye .
Who Was Mel Coleman?
Mel Coleman was a professional yachtsman, investment banker and the beloved husband of Annabel Croft. He was born in 1962 and was 60 years old when he passed away. Therefore, he lived a full and adventurous life both on the water and in business .
He competed in prestigious sailing events including the America’s Cup and the Admiral’s Cup. He later transitioned into a career as an investment banker. As a result, Annabel Croft husband was known for his versatility and quiet strength .
In 2009, the couple co-founded the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. This shared passion combined her tennis expertise with his business acumen. Therefore, Mel was not only a supportive husband but also an entrepreneurial partner .
Like Katie Price, Annabel has faced public scrutiny of her personal life while navigating profound grief.
How Annabel Croft Met Her Husband
Annabel Croft met Mel Coleman in 1987 when she was just 21 years old. They were brought together by a BBC yachting series called Cudmore’s Call, where Mel taught Annabel to sail for the television programme. Therefore, their romance began on the water .
“It was the first time I’d hung out with people my age. I put normal clothes on — not tennis gear,” Annabel recalled of their first meeting. Once she met Mel, she “took strength from who he was,” as he gave her “confidence” and “taught” her how to live .
They married in 1992 in a ceremony filled with charm and joy. The couple famously departed their wedding in the original car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. As a result, their wedding was as unique and memorable as their relationship .
The couple settled in Coombe near Wimbledon, building a family home that Mel himself constructed. They went on to have three children: Amber, Charlie, and Lily .
The Rock of the Family
Annabel Croft husband was her “rock” and gave her “huge amounts of confidence,” she has revealed. “I don’t think I’d be who I am today without him, that’s for sure,” she told Hello! magazine. Therefore, his influence on her life was profound .
She described Mel as “so funny,” adding: “His humour is what I miss the most.” The couple had a relationship built on laughter, mutual respect and unwavering support. As a result, Annabel has described their marriage as “incredible” .
Mel was often described as the dependable, steady presence who balanced Annabel’s high-profile career with quiet strength. His commitment to their children ensured they grew up with stability and encouragement. Therefore, he was the foundation upon which the family was built .
Like Annie Kilner, Annabel has navigated profound personal loss while continuing to work in the public eye.
Mel Coleman Illness and Death
Mel Coleman’s illness began with pains that were initially mistaken for minor issues. However, medical tests revealed a devastating diagnosis: stage IV colorectal cancer. The disease had already spread throughout his body. Therefore, the news came as a terrible shock .
Annabel revealed that 97 per cent of his liver was covered with tumours. Just 16 weeks after his diagnosis, Mel passed away on May 24, 2023. While it was assumed he had died of cancer, Annabel later revealed he had actually died of sepsis, which may have been caused by a tumour that perforated while on a flight back from Portugal .
“I have traumatic flashbacks of the day Mel died,” Annabel confessed. “During his final hours, as he drifted in and out of consciousness, he started listing instructions like, ‘Change the tyre on the van’ and then saying to the children, ‘Sorry I can’t be there for your weddings'” .
“That memory breaks my heart,” she added. “After Mel died, it didn’t feel real, but as though he was away on a trip and would reappear” .
Strictly Come Dancing Saved Her
Just months after losing Mel, Annabel Croft joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. Partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, the pair reached the semi-finals. Therefore, the show became an unexpected lifeline .
“I don’t know what I would have done without being busy. I would have sunk,” Annabel admitted. Literally within a few weeks of losing him, her agent called and said: “I’ve signed you up to Strictly” .
She has since credited the show with saving her during the darkest period of her life. “I’m not sure how I would have got through that winter without it, to be honest,” she said .
“When people ask why I did Strictly so soon after, I think, ‘Gosh, why would I not say yes?’ What was I going to do – come back to an empty house and cry all evening?” she reflected .
Like Sam Thompson, Annabel found that throwing herself into a challenge helped her cope with grief.
Life After Loss: Upsizing, Not Downsizing
Three years after Mel’s death, Annabel has made a surprising decision. Instead of downsizing, she plans to move to a bigger home. She told the Daily Mail she wants a house where her children and grandchildren can stay. She also wants to fill it with “noise and laughter” .
She sold the home she shared with Mel, which she described as being filled with memories of him. However, she realised she needed to make a change. The new house will be a fresh start, not an erasure of the past .
Annabel Croft Dating Again?
When asked about dating again, Annabel Croft has been clear and honest. Her response was a simple five-word statement: “I don’t even consider it” .
“It’s not something I’m thinking about at all. I’m not in that headspace – it’s way too soon,” she told Hello! magazine. “I don’t want to be a professional widow, but I’m not ready for another partner” .
Like Russell Grant, Annabel has faced her health battles and personal loss with remarkable honesty.
A Touching Discovery: Mel’s Blessing
In a heartwarming discovery, Annabel learned that Mel had given his blessing before his death. Felix McCorquodale, a relative of Princess Diana’s stepmother, had asked Mel for permission to marry Lily. He agreed .
“Felix told me the other day that one of the things Mel said to him was, ‘You have my permission to marry Lily,'” Annabel revealed. The couple became engaged in 2025, two years after Mel’s passing .
Conclusion
Annabel Croft husband Mel Coleman was the centre of her world for over 30 years. Their love story, from a chance meeting on a sailing programme to building a family and business together, has touched millions. Therefore, his memory lives on through her and their three children.
While the grief remains, Annabel has found ways to heal. Through Strictly Come Dancing, her new home and her continued broadcasting career, she honours Mel by living fully. Consequently, she is determined not to let grief define her.
FAQs
Who was Annabel Croft’s husband?
Mel Coleman, a professional yachtsman and investment banker.
When did Annabel Croft’s husband die?
Mel Coleman passed away on May 24, 2023, at age 60.
What caused Mel Coleman’s death?
He died of sepsis following stage IV colorectal cancer, just 16 weeks after diagnosis.
How many children did Annabel Croft have with Mel?
Three children: Amber, Charlie and Lily.
Did Annabel Croft do Strictly after her husband died?
Yes, she joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, just months after Mel’s death, and reached the semi-finals.
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