Annabel Croft looks happier than ever with male pal two years after husband's tragic death

Annabel Croft publicly thanked Strictly Come Dancing for helping her to heal following the tragic death of her husband in May 2023. But now it looks as though the former British tennis star, 58, is being supported by her close pal and finance expert Huw Williams as the pair enjoyed a lunch date in London's Mayfair.

Back in May that year, Annabel's husband Mel Coleman was diagnosed with colon cancer and he tragically passed away 16 weeks later.

At the time, the former Strictly star, who made it to the semi-finals, revealed that she was unable to do no more than cry herself to sleep, as she struggled to navigate through her grief.

While there is no suggestion that Annabel and Huw are romantically linked, it was clear that they have a close friendship as they dined at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair.

Laughing and joking, the pair were pictured sharing a moment together as they looked at his mobile phone while outside the restaurant.

Annabel Croft is pictured looking cosy during a lunch date with pal Huw Williams(Image: BACKGRID)

In another picture, Huw is seen placing a friendly arm around the TV star while pointing out something to her that her had noticed.

With her head bent down while at the table, Annabel is then seen clasping Huw's hand lovingly as they appeared to be in deep discussion, oblivious to those around them.

Their fun-filled lunch date appeared to be booze free as Huw was seen pouring himself a cup of tea amid their deep conversation.

Annabel Croft and Huw Williams appear engrossed in content on his phone while at lunch at Scott's in Mayfair(Image: BACKGRID)

Despite there being no confirmation over the status of her relationship with Hue, it seems Annabel is certainly not short of male admirers.

She recently told the Daily Mail: "I’ve had people ask for dinner dates. I’m like 'You have no idea!'. I’m not anywhere close to that. It gives me the heebies to think about it. It’s never say never, but I wouldn’t mind if it was never."

While on Strictly, Annabel paid tribute to her late husband by dedicating her couple's choice dance to him as they elegantly performed to the song Wings by Birdy.

She also thanked her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe as he had given her "a reason to get out of bed." She said: "It’s been the most life-changing and extraordinary experience of my life.

Annabel and Huw were oblivious to onlookers as they enjoyed each other's company(Image: BACKGRID)

She continued to explain to Strictly host Tess Daly: "It’s been an amazing, magical experience for me. Johannes, you’ve been absolutely ­extraordinary. "

In an emotional speech, she added: "You have given me a reason to get out of bed and come and dance with you, distract me and to heal me. I can’t thank you enough for that. 

You have been so patient, so caring and so loving. You are an unbelievably special human being. I simply adore you. Thank you so much," she continued.

Annabel Croft's husband Mel Coleman sadly passed away in 2023 16 weeks after his colon cancer diagnosis(Image: BACKGRID)

And in response, Johannes said: "I would like to say thank you. Thank you for making the decision to come here. Thank you to Strictly Come Dancing for sending her my way. "

He added: "My life is richer with you in it. I hope we dance long after this has ended. You know my heart and I just want to tell you thank you, Annabel."