Annabel Croft has become one of the BBC’s most recognisable tennis pundits, but things have been difficult for the 58-year-old away from the court, following the death of her husband Mel Coleman
Annabel Croft, one of the BBC’s most distinguished and recognisable tennis pundits and commentators, has a wealth of expertise and experience in the sport.
At 58, she boasts an impressive career, having clinched the junior Wimbledon title back in 1984. Since her debut as a Wimbledon summariser on BBC 5 Live in 2000, she has become a knowledgeable and refined voice for the BBC.
However, life off the court hasn’t been smooth sailing for Croft, who continues to grieve the loss of her husband Mel Coleman in 2023.
Despite her personal loss, she remains a fixture on our screens, providing expert commentary on all things tennis. As we reach men’s final day at Wimbledon, where Croft will conduct the post-match on-court interviews with Carlos Alcaraz and Yannik Sinner, we delve into Croft’s life and career.
Substantial net worth
Determining her exact net worth can be challenging, but previous reports suggest that Croft’s value stands at approximately £1.2million. This figure takes into account the prize money she accumulated throughout her tennis career, which saw her peak at No.24 in the world rankings and earn £201,254 in winnings.
However, it is believed that the majority of her net worth stems from her television work. Croft was a contestant in Series 21 of Strictly Come Dancing, where she secured fourth place alongside dance partner Johannes Radebe.
Croft has a distinguished career in broadcasting, having presented shows such as ‘Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Inceptor’, alongside her role as a tennis pundit for the BBC, Eurosport and Sky Sports. Her primary focus is with the BBC, where she serves as a commentator, pundit, and presenter, particularly during Wimbledon season.
Tragic loss of beloved husband
In a tragic turn of events in May 2023, Croft’s husband of three decades, Mel Coleman, succumbed to sepsis after a valiant struggle with stage four colon cancer that had metastasised throughout his body.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Croft disclosed that an overwhelming 97 per cent of his liver was afflicted with tumours. A mere 12 weeks post-diagnosis, Coleman passed away at 60 years old.
While initially believed to have died from cancer, Croft clarified that the actual cause was sepsis, potentially triggered by a perforated tumour during a flight home from Portugal.
Reflecting on the harrowing experience of her husband’s demise, Croft shared: “I have traumatic flashbacks of the day Mel died. During his final hours, as he drifted in and out of consciousness, he started listing instructions like, ‘Change the tyre on the van’ and then saying to the children, ‘Sorry I can’t be there for your weddings’.
“That memory breaks my heart. After Mel died, it didn’t feel real, but as though he was away on a trip and would reappear. Weirdly, the pain of grief feels like it’s growing, rather than easing, because of the realisation that he’s not coming back.”
Views on dating
The passing of Coleman, which occurred just over two years ago, understandably still affects Croft deeply. She has recently expressed that she’s not mentally prepared to re-enter the dating world, saying: “I don’t want to be a professional widow, but I’m not ready for another partner.”
In a separate chat with Hello magazine, Croft reiterated her feelings, making clear that the thought of a new relationship is not on her mind at all. The celebrity from Orpington remarked: “I don’t even consider it.
“It’s not something I’m thinking about at all. I’m not in that headspace – it’s way too soon.”
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