Annabel Croft of Strictly Come Dancing has revealed that survival expert Bear Grylls gave her a pep talk this week ahead of her semi-final showdown.
The former tennis player, 57, has progressed from round to round in this year’s competition and now has the opportunity to go to the final.
While she placed at the bottom of the four-person podium on Saturday, she nevertheless pleased Anton, finishing the night with a score of 33.
Following Nigel Harman’s medical exit from Strictly Come Dancing, Annabel has the opportunity to improve on her 33 and go to the final week.
And in order to get there, she’s received some assistance from a close family friend, documentary filmmaker and explorer Bear Grylls.
Speaking on It Takes Two, she revealed all, saying: ‘We’ve known each other for many, many years, since Bear was in his early 20s. My husband was godfather to his son.’
‘Bear has been amazing. He’s been an unbelievable support to the whole family. I just adore him, he’s a special person, he’s very, very upbeat and positive.’
‘Everything is positive in his world. It was lovely to get that message from him,’ she said, before adding that she wants Johannes to meet him in the future.
Annabel has pleased the judges more and more as the tournament has progressed, reaching Blackpool and beyond after a difficult first few weeks.
The sports presenter admitted that her late husband Mel Coleman, who died in May 2023, was with her during the battle.
One week later, Judge Shirley Ballas acknowledged to Annabel that she had been gripping tissues during a particularly poignant act honouring Mel’s memory.
Nigel Harman, one of Annabel’s opponents, withdrew from the tournament on Saturday owing to an injured rib, but will compete in the final.
The EastEnders actor is believed to be healthy enough to compete in the final, which is set to take place on Saturday, December 16.
Watch Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday at 7.35pm on BBC One.
