Strictly's Annabel Croft says the show 'healed' her as partner Johannes Radebe gave her a 'reason to get out of bed again' after husband Mel Coleman's tragic death

She signed up for Strictly just weeks after her husband died of cancer, hoping it would bring some joy back into her life.

And over the course of the series, Annabel Croft has wowed the judges with her dancing, including a foxtrot, paso doble and samba.

Not only that, but she said her Strictly partner Johannes Radebe “has given me a reason to get out of bed.”

Unfortunately, the tennis star's impressive ballroom journey came to an end in the twelfth week.

She missed out on a spot in next week's final after being defeated in the dance-off by actor Bobby Brazier in what was one of the closest semi-finals in the show's 19-year history.

Mrs Croft, 57, and her three adult children were left devastated in May when her sailor husband Mel Coleman died of bowel cancer just 16 weeks after he was diagnosed.

After the show's judges handed down their verdict this weekend, the emotional star, who received the lowest score of 33 out of 40, said: 'It has been the most life-changing and extraordinary experience of my life.

'Johannes, you were absolutely extraordinary. You've given me a reason to get out of bed and come dance with you, to distract me and heal.

“You have been so patient, so caring and so loving. You are an incredibly special person. I just adore you.

'I would like to thank Strictly for allowing me to take part in this competition. Thank you so much Johannes for the most special time I had with you.'

South African dance sensation Radebe also paid tribute to Ms Croft, saying: “Thank you for making the decision to come here.

'Thank you to Strictly Come Dancing for sending her my way. My life is richer with you in it. I hope we can dance long after this is over.”

Ms Croft and Radebe danced the Viennese waltz to Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want from Slow Moving Millie, with judge Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save them.

But Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke rescued Brazier, 20, and his partner Dianne Buswell. Chief Judge Shirley Ballas did not have to cast a vote, but if she had, she would have saved Brazier and Mrs. Buswell as well.

They will compete in the final on Saturday against actress Ellie Leach and theater star Layton Williams and their respective partners Vito Coppola and Nikita Kuzmin.

Strictly insiders expect this to be one of the closest finals ever, with Ms Leach currently the bookmakers' favourite.

Annabel and Johannes narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a confrontation Bobby Brazier in the dreaded dance.

Annabel said: 'It really was the most incredible rollercoaster ride. I've honestly had every kind of emotion you can imagine. It's the most magical show.'

Meanwhile, Bobby and Dianne were filmed sobbing as they took to the floor for their final dance.

Fans were also left in tears after Annabel's emotional departure.

One said: 'I have never felt so sad about an elimination, Annabel Croft has been absolutely wonderful and kind to follow over the last two months and see her progress and determination.

“She was an excellent competitor and Johannes was the perfect partner for her.”

A second added: 'Damn why Johannes and Annabel keep making us cry.'

A third said they were blubbing as they watched the emotional semi-final.

After Annabel landed in the bottom two of the voting, she and Bobby once again performed their favorite routine of the night for the judges.

First, Bobby and his dance partner Dianne Buswell performed their Quickstep to Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin.

Then Annabel and Johannes danced their Viennese waltz to Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by Slow Moving Millie.

After both couples danced for the second time, the judges delivered their verdict, with Craig Revel Horwood choosing to save Annabel and Johannes.

He said, 'Well, one dance was flashy, one dance was quiet. I think both couples have become completely equal.

“I saw improvement in this one couple and based on this dance and nothing else from the past other than this dance alone, Annabel and Johannes are the person who I think had the most refined technique.”

However, Motsi Mabuse chose to save Bobby and Dianne, saying: “First of all I have to say this was a really tough one tonight, I think both couples danced really well, and after dancing I stood there for a few minutes. seconds to make my decision.

“There was one dance where there was a slight hesitation at a turn, one slight hesitation was the decision, and I will save Bobby and Dianne.

Anton Du Beke also chose to save Bobby and Dianne, saying: “Well, the semi-final, I mean it's going to be hugely disappointing for someone, but I also think it's a celebration of how well you both did have done and how far you have come. come and you danced wonderfully throughout the entire series.

“It was a close run and literally because it didn't come out of a running section as cleanly as they would have liked and I would have liked, I'm going to save Bobby and Dianne.”

With two votes for Bobby and Dianne, and one for Annabel and Johannes, this meant that head judge Shirley Ballas had the casting vote, and she decided to save Bobby and Dianne.

She said: 'The 2023 semi-final, I thought both couples were absolutely extraordinary, I felt both couples are taking their performances to the next level, I thought there was technical quality on both sides, improvements galore, but again a small mistake that came from a pivot and therefore my decision would be to save Bobby and Dianne.”

Annabel then added: 'It's been the most incredible rollercoaster ride, I've had every emotion you can imagine.

'I would like to thank Strictly for allowing me to take part in this competition. Thank you to the judges for your great commentary and guidance throughout the competition.

“But I also see this as a thousand-piece puzzle and I wish everyone in the audience could see what's going on behind the scenes because the machinery that makes it work and makes the show what it is is quite extraordinary.

'The most wholesome magical show for family entertainment with so much glitz and glamor and so much fun for everyone.

'It was amazing and I can't thank everyone enough. Thank you so much, Johannes, for the most special time I had with you.'

Annabel's departure means that the 2023 finalists have been announced as Bobby and Dianne, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.

Earlier in the results show, the professional dancers performed a spectacular and festive group number.

They opened what is the final single results show of the series – and were even joined at the end by a golden retriever called Mr Darcy.

Next week they'll hit the dance floor for the final time as they try to win the Glitterball Trophy.

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final airs live on Saturday December 16 at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.