Annabel Croft has said her late husband was a “huge fan” of Strictly Come Dancing but she will not be taking herself “too seriously” on the dancefloor.
The former British number one tennis player and broadcaster is among the star-studded line-up of the new series of the BBC’s flagship show.
She told the PA news agency: “I’m so excited to be taking part in the programme.
“So (it’s) just exciting to do a new challenge and have fun in the process. Not take myself too seriously.”
Croft, who is an ambassador for padel tennis, was speaking at the launch of the new court at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London and said she hopes the new facility encourages more people to take it up.
“Padel is a different type of bat, it sounds really good when you play. You can have some really fun rallies, you get some really good rallies going with your partners, you always play doubles and you laugh a lot. I’ve always enjoyed playing padel.”
She added: “It’s a little bit different to tennis, it’s great fun. I think I find myself laughing a lot more on a padel court.
“You just come out and have fun. Anyone can play. It’s very inclusive. You don’t need to be a member to come and play here.”
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe and is Spain’s second most popular sport after football.
Andy Murray, David Beckham, and Lionel Messi are among the high-profile fans of the sport.
Croft will make her debut on the Strictly dancefloor this autumn.
Angela Rippon, Les Dennis and Zara McDermott are also among the line-up this year.
