Annabel Croft to pull off a BBC Strictly first as pro partner speaks out on 'nerve-wracking' milestone

Annabel Croft to pull off a BBC Strictly first as pro partner speaks out on 'nerve-wracking' milestone

WATCH NOW: Annabel and Johannes explain the Strictly first they'll be taking on

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 02/12/2023

- 09:00

The quarter-finals marks a special milestone for the pair

Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe have opened up about a Strictly Come Dancing first they'll be taking on this weekend as they hope to bag a spot in the semi-finals.

The former tennis pro and her dance partner have managed to avoid the dance-off so far this series and are turning to the Foxtrot in the hopes of keeping up the trend.


And the odds look to be in their favour as it's Nigel Harman who's been dealt a huge blow to his chances according to bookmakers.

Meanwhile, it's Ellie Leach who stands head and shoulders above her fellow competitors to lift the Glitterball Trophy - something she decided to address on It Takes Two this week.

Leach wasn't the only Strictly star to delve into their Strictly future this week though as Radebe and Croft discussed their Foxtrot routine with Janette Manrara.

And the It Takes Two host revealed it was a special occasion for pro dancer Radebe during the interview as she mentioned: "Johannes, correct me if I'm wrong, this will be your first ever Strictly Foxtrot with a celeb.

Annabel and Johannes

Annabel and Johannes revealed all to Janette Manrara

BBC

"Firstly, why has it taken this long, and secondly, are you enjoying choreographing it?"

An ecstatic but nervous Radebe replied: "It's true! Do you know what, Janette, the truth is the last time I was ever in a final was with John Whaite and then obviously I've had to fight every single year to just get the opportunity to do the Foxtrot.

"But look, we are in Week 10 and this is a Strictly first, and honestly it's been nerve-wracking.

"A Foxtrot - it is a dance where you have to move as one... and that is what we've been doing this week.

"We've been achieving that oneness across the floor and I can't tell you how beautiful - like I said, she feels beautiful in my arms!"

Manrara turned her attention to Croft to see how she's found training for the milestone in Radebe's Strictly tenure.

"Really well!" Croft answered. "Obviously there are elements that I recognise like the frame once again and the head out to the left, then lots of intricate footwork where you have to drive with the heel or land on the toes.

"So lots of technical things which I'm really enjoying trying and trying to remember some of the other dances.

Annabel and Johannes Paso Doble

Annabel and Johannes performed the Paso Doble last week - and earned their first 10

BBC

"When I first heard Foxtrot, I didn't know anything about it, I didn't know what that meant," Croft continued.

"I just had this vision of a fox trotting around the garden and being quite trott-y - but it's the opposite! I had no idea that it was the opposite.

"But I've said many times that when I dance with Johannes and we do connect and get that oneness, it is an amazing feeling and it's something you can't describe to anyone unless you've done it yourself. You just become one body... it's beautiful."

Fans will have to tune into Strictly on Saturday to see if Croft and Radebe can replicate the success of last weekend where they bagged their first score of 10 from Anton du Beke.

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