Former tennis player Annabel Croft has broken her silence after being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing last night, just ahead of the 2023 final. Croft and her professional partner Johannes Radebe were sent home after a dance-off against Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.
Emotional Exit
Addressing her departure in a heartfelt Instagram post, Croft expressed her sadness that her journey on Strictly had come to an end. She thanked the crew, her co-stars, and even the judges, despite their decision not to save her and Johannes. Croft also credited Johannes for teaching her to love ballroom dancing and described her experience on the show as life-changing.
Challenging Herself
Croft reflected on her growth throughout the competition, acknowledging that Strictly had pushed her out of her comfort zone and allowed her to discover new things about herself. She expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her and Johannes, including friends, family, viewers, and colleagues, for helping them reach this point in the competition. Croft also acknowledged that taking on the Strictly challenge had made a positive impact on her mental well-being, particularly during a difficult time in her life following the passing of her husband.
Sexism Controversy
Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly, found herself at the center of a sexism row following the show's semi-final. Ballas gave the lowest scores among all the judges to Angela Rippon, Ellie Leach, and Zara McDermott. The decision sparked criticism, with some accusing Ballas of favoritism and sexism. However, a Strictly source denied these claims, stating that the judges base their decisions solely on dance performance.
Final Line-Up
Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell will progress to the Strictly final, joining Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, as well as Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin. The competition is heating up as the remaining couples vie for the coveted Strictly Come Dancing trophy.
