Former tennis player Annabel Croft has said taking part in Strictly Come Dancing has helped distract her from her "grief" and "dark thoughts" following the passing of her husband.

Annabel was named among the lineup for the 2023 edition of the BBC ballroom dance programme, competing against the likes of Les Dennis (who was first to be eliminated) and EastEnders star Bobby Brazier.

Explaining how the show has helped her cope with the loss of her husband Mel Coleman, the sporting figure told Lorraine Kelly that it has been a "distraction from grief".

Annabel Croft says Strictly has been a great distraction from her "many dark thoughts"

She added: "It’s been nice to do something joyful and use my body and try to rest my brain from thinking too many dark thoughts.”

Appearing alongside Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe, Annabel Croft said that her husband was a "huge fan" of the show and of her show partner.

Speaking of her partnership with the South African dancer and choreographer, she said: “I have struck gold. Johannes is just the most amazing human being."

Turning to face her BBC show partner, she added: "You have the most amazing energy, incredible kindness and patience. You are an unbelievable dancer, but also an unbelievable teacher. I learn something every second of every day and he does not miss a trick when we’re rehearsing. It’s a challenge but it’s great fun.

“It’s been an amazing experience already. I’ve loved both of the dances we’ve done. They’ve been quite frantic and we’ve sort of galloped our way across the stage, but this week is a Waltz."

Annabel said that the pair will be performing the Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's for the show's Movie Week.

She said: “It’s a beautiful dance. Johannes choreographs it all. It’s slower, a lot of feeling, every single dance we’ve done, I’m blown away with the detail that goes into every single dance and step… the level that goes into learning. They make it look so easy.”

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.