Annabel Croft husband Mel Coleman was her rock, her confidant and the love of her life 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, Annabel Croft husband was central to her 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 or 1963 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, representing British yachting talent at the highest level. Moreover, he later transitioned into a career as an investment banker. As a result, Annabel Croft husband was known for his versatility and quiet strength [citation:6].
In 2009, the couple co-founded the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy, combining her tennis expertise with his business acumen. The academy became a shared family passion. Therefore, Mel Coleman was not only a supportive husband but also an entrepreneurial partner [citation:6].
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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 [citation:1].
“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 [citation:3].
They married in 1992 or 1993 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 [citation:6].
The couple settled in Coombe near Wimbledon, building a family home that Mel himself constructed. They went on to have three children: Amber, now 31, Charlie, 29, and Lily, 27 [citation:1].
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Annabel Croft Husband: 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 [citation:3].
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” [citation:2][citation:3].
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 [citation:6].
“I’ve lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now it’s a weird thing to be doing [life] on my own,” Annabel has reflected. “I just walk into an empty house” [citation:1].
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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 [citation:6].
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 [citation:7].
“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'” [citation:7].
“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” [citation:7].
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How 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 [citation:1][citation:2].
“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” [citation:2][citation:5].
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 [citation:10].
“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 [citation:10].
“Coming back to a house that used to be full of life, full of Mel, but was suddenly empty, was terrifying. I was in grief and crying every day, so to have that focus of doing something positive and distracting the brain was really an incredibly healing process” [citation:10].
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Life After Loss: Downsizing and Moving Forward
Two years after Mel’s death, Annabel has made the difficult decision to downsize. The five-bedroom family home that Mel built holds too many memories. Therefore, she is ready to move on [citation:1].
“The house has been my life for 25 years. Everything about it is Mel, because he built it. We’ve had amazing memories here that are impossible to forget, but I’m ready to go,” she told The Sun [citation:1][citation:4].
“I’ve realised I don’t need much any more. I don’t want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need,” she explained. She now occupies just the kitchen and her bedroom in the large house [citation:1].
Annabel is keen to live near the River Thames, fulfilling Mel’s dream of living by the water. “There is so much to be positive about. I don’t want to be a professional widow,” she said [citation:2].
“I understand that a lot of people can identify with what I’ve been through, but I don’t want grief to define me” [citation:2].
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Annabel Croft Dating: Not Ready Yet
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” [citation:3].
“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” [citation:3][citation:7].
She has described the pain of grief as sometimes “growing, rather than easing, because of the realisation that he’s not coming back” [citation:7]. However, she also noted that the pain now “comes in rain showers but they are getting less and then it’s gone” [citation:2].
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A Touching Discovery: Mel’s Blessing for Lily’s Wedding
In a heartwarming discovery, Annabel recently learned that Mel had given his blessing to their youngest daughter Lily’s boyfriend before his death. Felix McCorquodale, a relative of Princess Diana’s stepmother, had asked Mel for permission to marry Lily [citation:8][citation:9].
“Felix told me the other day that one of the things Mel said to him was, ‘You definitely have my permission to marry Lily,'” Annabel revealed. The couple became engaged in 2025, two years after Mel’s passing [citation:8][citation:9].
The discovery was deeply moving for Annabel, proving that Mel’s love and presence continue to guide the family even after his death. “He gave permission to my youngest daughter Lily’s boyfriend – they just got engaged, actually,” she shared [citation:9].
Their eldest daughter Amber has already married, giving birth to a son named Arlo. And son Charlie married Boodles heiress Honour Wainwright in August 2025. Therefore, the family continues to grow [citation:1][citation:9].
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Annabel Croft Net Worth and Career
Annabel Croft net worth is estimated to be around £1.2 million. Her wealth comes from her tennis career, television work and punditry [citation:7].
As a former British number one tennis player, she reached a career-high ranking of No. 24 in the world. She won the junior Wimbledon championship in 1984 at age 18, becoming the youngest Brit to compete at Wimbledon for nearly a century [citation:3][citation:7].
Today, she is a familiar face on BBC during Wimbledon, working as a commentator, pundit and presenter. She has also worked for Eurosport and Sky Sports. Therefore, her broadcasting career has flourished alongside her family life [citation:7].
Her time on Strictly Come Dancing introduced her to a new generation of fans. She finished fourth in the competition, dancing with Johannes Radebe [citation:7].
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What Annabel Misses Most About Mel
When asked what she misses most about her husband, Annabel’s answer is simple: his humour. “He was so funny; his humour is what I miss the most,” she told Hello! [citation:3].
She has also spoken about missing his steady presence and the confidence he gave her. “Mel was my rock. He gave me huge amounts of confidence,” she said [citation:3].
Despite the pain, she remains grateful for their time together. “I didn’t know I had an incredible marriage, but I did,” she reflected [citation:2][citation:5].
Grateful reflections honour lost love. Stories such as Michael Barrymore show how public figures process loss and find meaning in their memories.
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, downsizing and continuing her broadcasting career, she honours Mel by living fully. Consequently, she is determined not to let grief define her.
For fans who have followed her journey, Annabel Croft represents resilience, grace and the enduring power of love. As a result, she continues to inspire those who have experienced loss.
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.
Is Annabel Croft dating anyone new?
No, she has said she is not ready to date and doesn’t even consider it.
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