Latest news with #Annabel
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Super soups to warm the heart
It's officially soup season! It is the coziest and most delicious time of year. We love a good soup. They are such a resourceful, economical meal and a great way to get the most out of your ingredients. There's a popular myth that soups are not satisfying enough to be considered a proper meal, which we hope to debunk for you all! If ever we feel a bit run down or start to feel a tickle in our throats, we reach for the soup pot. Nourishing, immunity-boosting, comforting soup has got it all. Soups also freeze well and are lovely to gift for those in need of some TLC — be it a new parent, sick friend, or neighbour in need. With this in mind, we have two gorgeous soup recipes to warm you up in the winter months. First, we have a perennial favourite, our Green Minestrone. This is a fab way to get a big dose of gut-friendly greens and beans — full of fibre and goodness. Like most vegetable soups, this one improves when made ahead of time and reheated a day or two later. We like to use lots of greens — make sure you slice them very finely so they cook quickly right at the end. We would like to note that if this is too green for your liking, you can lighten things up with less greens and an additional cup or two of stock. Our second recipe is for an incredibly easy and flavourful Carrot & Ginger Soup with Miso Butter. This wonderfully comforting and aromatic soup is a great immunity-boosting meal. We've used carrots, but it is also delicious with pumpkin or kūmara. This is something we often make in bulk and freeze, as it is a great pick-me-up to have at hand when you're feeling under the weather, or starting to lag at the end of a busy week; the flavours seem to get better with time, the miso adds a real depth of flavour and the ginger deeply infuses throughout the soup. Happy cooking, everyone! We hope these cozy recipes provide some comforting nourishment in these cold winter months. Newsletter Annabel and Rose Langbein's weekly newsletter, "What to Cook Tonight". New recipes, meal plans and tips and tricks delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up at: Green minestrone In this recipe, we serve the soup with a winter pistou — a vibrant herb sauce made with flat leaf parsley, that adds a bright herbaceous finish to the dish. Leftover pistou will keep, covered, in the fridge for about a week (it freezes well in small containers too). We love serving this with cheese toasties for an extra treat. Serves 8 Ready in 1 hr DF GF RSF V VE Ingredients ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 leeks, base and ⅔ of the green ends trimmed off, washed, halved lengthways, thinly sliced 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped 1 tsp salt 2 Tbsp tomato paste 1×400g can chopped tomatoes 1×400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1×400g can butter beans, drained and rinsed 8 cups vegetable stock 2 carrots, peeled and diced 1 Parmesan rind (optional) 2 packed cups of very finely sliced cavolo nero, coarse stems and central ribs removed 2 packed cups of shredded silverbeet leaves, white stems removed (save for stock pot) 1 cup dried pasta shapes, such as macaroni or gluten-free alternative Freshly ground black pepper Winter pistou 1 tightly packed cup of parsley leaves ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely grated ½ cup walnuts (optional) ½ cup finely grated Parmesan, to serve (optional) ½ tsp salt Method Heat oil in a heavy-based pot on medium heat. Add onion, leeks, garlic and salt and cook, stirring from time to time, until onions are completely soft and translucent (10-12 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and cook for a further couple of minutes until aromatic. Add canned tomatoes, beans, vegetable stock, carrots and Parmesan rind, if using. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. While that is cooking, make your pistou. Place parsley, oil, garlic, walnuts and Parmesan (if using) and salt in a small, wide-mouthed jar or bowl. Blitz to a smooth puree with a hand wand blender. Set aside. Pistou will keep in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen in small ice block trays, thaw before using. Once your vegetables are tender, uncover the pot and stir through the pasta. Cook for 5 minutes less than the cooking time specified on the packet, then stir in the greens and cook for another 5-8 minutes until they and the pasta are tender. To serve, check seasonings and adjust to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top with a swirl of pistou. Notes • Annabel loves making a ham hock version of this minestrone. Boil a ham or bacon hock in plenty of water until it falls off the bone (about 2 hours), then take it out, reserving the cooking liquid, and when it's cool enough to handle, shred the meat off it. Follow the Minestrone recipe as per our instructions, using the reserved cooking liquid from the ham as your stock, and add the shredded ham in at the end. You can add a little smoked paprika and chilli flakes in with your onions for some spice if you like. • Save up your Parmesan rinds in a bag in the fridge or freezer and add them to your soups for an extra umami hit. Carrot and ginger soup with miso butter This warming soup is so flavourful and satisfying. We love it as is, but you can zhuzh it up by adding any of the following: roasted cauliflower or broccoli, roasted carrot, pumpkin, kūmara, a couple of handfuls of baby spinach, fried chickpeas or some kimchi. Serves 4-6 Ready in 40 mins DF GF RSF V VE Ingredients 2 Tbsp neutral oil, such as grapeseed oil 1 large onion, finely diced 1kg carrots, peeled and sliced into 1cm rounds 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 60g ginger, peeled and finely grated (about 2 thumbs) 4 cups vegetable stock 2 Tbsp shiro or white miso paste 1 Tbsp butter (see note) 1 tsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp lemon juice ¼ tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 Tbsp chopped coriander, to garnish 1 tsp black sesame seeds or toasted white sesame seeds, to garnish (optional) Method Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent (8-10 minutes). Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the stock, then cover and simmer until carrots are tender when pierced with a fork (30 minutes). Take off the heat and stir in the miso paste, butter, and sesame oil. Use a handheld blender to puree the soup until smooth. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little hot water or stock to reach your desired consistency. Mix in lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with coriander and sesame seeds. Note To make vegan, omit the butter and add an extra teaspoon of sesame oil.
India.com
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This girl, 22, remained alive for 900 days even after dying, her skeleton was found in...
Netflix Docu-Series Based on True Story: In the era of OTT, we are blessed with a plethora of platforms that are giving us options of some of the best real-life based documentaries. Netflix is also in the race and streams intriguing stories which are based on true stories. Today we are going to talk about a documentary which is based on a true story and is really heart-wrenching. This is a story of a 22-year-old girl who remained alive even after dying. Baffled? Let's know her story. What Is This Story About? The story begins with a young 22-year-old girl who lives in a posh area and goes out for her morning walk. Morning became afternoon and afternoon turned into night but the girl never returned home. Something happened to the girl in the morning years ago that her parents has not been able to recover from the shock. The documentary is available on Netflix with the title – '900 Days Without Anabel'. The story is about two kidnappers – Emilio Muñoz and Candido Ortiz – who deceived the victim's family for years. They kidnapped 22-year-old Anabel and demanded a ransom of 150 million pesetas (USD 9 million) from her family. To make her family believe, they even sent a fake audio tape in which Muñoz's wife imitated the victim's voice. Who Is The Director Of The Story? Director Monica Palomero used archival footage, dramatic recreations, and audio recordings to present an emotionally resonant documentary. While drawing on her experience reporting on factual events and interviews with individuals involved in the original police investigation, the film's focus has prompted some viewers to suggest a greater emphasis on Annabel's personal life and her family's perspective. How the Victim Remained Alive For 900 Days Even After Death? In the 3 -episode documentary, the director tries to show every aspect of the victim's story. In the first episode, Palomero shows the kidnapping incident, followed by ransom calls to the victim's parents. The second episode showcased a thorough police investigation, including the decoding of the fake audio tape. Notably, the audio tape was found in a deserted factory after 900 days. The kidnappers killed Annabel after kidnapping her, but kept her alive to deceive her family into paying a ransom.
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Another Strictly star has phone stolen in London as it travels across the globe
A third Strictly Come Dancing star had their phone stolen while out in central London. In a post shared online, they revealed their phone ended up across the globe Yet another Strictly Come Dancing star was robbed in London as they revealed where their phone ended up. Earlier this month, both Annabel Croft and Michelle Tsiakkas revealed to fans their phones were stolen while out in the city as they issued warnings to their Instagram followers. Michelle, 29, told fans having her phone stolen was 'traumatising' and said she felt 'awful, scared and helpless' when it happened. She explained that she was simply going about her day when a criminal whizzed past her on an electric bike and snatched her phone straight from her hand. The star said it was early morning when she was on her way to the dentist around Covent Garden. Annabel Croft was also a victim of phone theft and recently recalled the terrifying moment she was mugged in broad daylight in the middle of London. The brave star being the target of a criminal has prompted her to speak out to make sure others don't suffer the same issue. Annabel, who competed in the 2023 series alongside Johannes Radebe, said she was waiting for a taxi when the incident occurred. Speaking on Instagram, Annabel detailed the moment and thanked those who rushed to her aid. "I just wanted to warn people who are on their own in London. I just got mugged waiting for a taxi outside King's Cross St Pancras," she wrote. "The man was riding a bike and wearing a black balaclava. He rode straight at me and took my phone clean out of my hands. He rode away with it but luckily dropped my phone so I got it back. Terrifying! " Annabel added. She added: "On a positive note, there are some lovely people out there. Luckily a lovely gentleman witnessed it and came over to help me. Thank you to whoever you are." The new Strictly curse didn't stop with Annabel as Seann Walsh recently revealed his phone was stolen in a post shared on his Instagram Stories. Along with a screenshot from the Find My app, which showed his phone in Guangdong, China, he said: "My phone was stolen (yes, out of my hand and yes, I live in Lond) a week or so ago and it is now in China if anyone happens to be passing by." One person urged the comedian to write a book called "It could only happen to me" and he responded: "If there are any publishers following me, I am open to this but it will be a very long book. I'm calling it Typical." Unsettled Londoners have been left in disbelief as mobile phone theft has increased at a horrifying rate. New statistics release this month revealed that 231,000 phone thefts and robberies were recorded over the past four years in the city. Analysis by The Times revealed hotspots in London include St James's Park, where Piccadilly and Haymarket meet Pall Mall and Clarence House as well as parts of the West End. Figures released by Scotland Yard figures show a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in robberies - with 81,256 mobile phone crimes were recorded in 2023. The stats also showed that roughly 37 people have their phone snatched on the streets of the capital every day.
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Wimbledon champion Annabel Croft on downsizing after her husband's sudden death & the truth behind new man rumours
From Centre Court to heartache – Annabel Croft on love, loss, and the lifeline that was Strictly LOVE GAME Ex-Wimbledon champion Annabel Croft on downsizing after her husband's sudden death & the truth behind new man rumours Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Former tennis champ and broadcasting royalty Annabel Croft on downsizing after the loss of her husband, why Strictly was a lifeline, and who to watch at Wimbledon Annabel Croft is in a taxi on her way home after a corporate speaking engagement, fresh from a day of commentating at London's Queen's Club. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Annabel is one of the BBC's top tennis presenters, covering tournaments worldwide – including Wimbledon, which starts tomorrow Credit: Mark Hayman 6 Annabel with her late husband Mel 6 Annabel reflects on her Strictly 2023 training, which began just weeks after losing husband Mel to cancer Credit: BBC It's 8:45pm, yet the former tennis pro is still brimming with energy. Is stamina her superpower? 'It does feel a bit like that,' she laughs. 'But this is peak season for me – and I love it.' As one of the BBC's most respected faces of tennis programming, Annabel covers tournaments around the globe including the Wimbledon Championships, which start tomorrow. And the day before she steps on to Centre Court to host the trophy ceremony for a third year running, Annabel will celebrate her 59th birthday, plus a major milestone in her sporting career. 'I'll be 59 on the penultimate day of Wimbledon, and that marks 50 years since I first picked up a racket at the age of nine,' she says, remembering the first time she gave tennis a go during a family holiday to Spain in 1975. She went on to win junior versions of Wimbledon and the Australian Open and represented Great Britain in the Federation Cup (now the Billie Jean King Cup), becoming one of the world's Top 25 players, before quitting at 21 after growing tired of travelling the world alone. 'I've lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now I'm on my own' Today, 38 years on, Annabel is encountering similar feelings again, two years since losing her husband Mel, 60, to cancer. At the five-bedroom family home that Mel built, she occupies just the kitchen and her bedroom, saying she no longer 'needs very much'. 'It's taken me back to living on my own before Mel came into my life, as that 15-year-old playing at Wimbledon for the first time, travelling the world on planes and across America on Greyhound buses. 'I've gone full circle to that person, because I've had to,' says Annabel, who has spent the past few months sorting and decluttering in readiness to move. I've realised I don't need much any more. I don't want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need. 'The house has been my life for 25 years. Everything about it is Mel, because he built it. We've had amazing memories here that are impossible to forget, but I'm ready to go,' she says, admitting she is looking forward to 'simplifying' her life. Strictly fans can't believe Annabel Croft's 'real age' as she stuns with cartwheel in tiny 60s minidress' 'What gives me pleasure is going for a morning walk in the park, running with my friends, having a coffee, a meal out and being with my family. "I've realised I don't need much any more. I don't want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need.' Annabel's journey with America's Cup yachtsman Mel began in 1987, when they met filming BBC yachting series Cudmore's Call, when she was just 21. "The pair went on to have three children, Amber, now 31, Charlie, 29, and Lily, 27. 'I've lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now it's a weird thing to be doing [life] on my own,' she says. 'I just walk into an empty house, so I try to trick my brain into thinking about when Mel was out at a work function and I'd come into the house on my own. Only, every night it is like this. 'Thankfully, I'm busy – that's always been the same and that's helpful.' Annabel remembers the days and nights she devoted to training during the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing soon after losing Mel, who died in May 2023, just 16 weeks after he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Partnered with South African dancer and choreographer Johannes Radebe, 38, the pair reached the semi-finals and the BBC show became a lifeline and welcome distraction. 'I wish I could find some way of replacing Strictly in my life in terms of what that show was to me. "It was so special and joyful,' she says, choosing not to be drawn on recent Strictly controversies, specifically surrounding pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, who quit over bullying claims. Since then, duty-of-care measures have been introduced, including a 24-hour helpline and chaperones in rehearsal rooms. 'I think having a permanent chaperone would have been quite restrictive [when it comes to building] the relationship between you and the dancer,' says Annabel. 'I would have found it quite awkward, but if that's what you know, then that's all you know.' Annabel speaks regularly to Johannes, who she says she 'adores'. But what of the friend she shared a lunch date with in April, sparking speculation of a new romantic connection? 'He's my bank manager and a great friend who was also close to Mel,' sighs Annabel. 'We were looking at photographs of Mel together. Mel adored him and he's been really helpful to me.' 'Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer' Family is everything to Annabel – and now, that family is growing. In September, her eldest daughter Amber will welcome her first child. 'It feels like yesterday that I was cradling my baby [Amber] in my arms, feeding her, bathing her and taking her to nursery school. "I can't believe that same baby is now having a baby herself!' says Annabel, who hopes the birth will be before her nationwide speaking tour starts. 6 Annabel made history at 15 when she became the youngest Brit in nearly a century to play in the Wimbledon main draw Credit: Mark Hayman 'I leave on September 24, so I hope the baby isn't late because I want to be supporting with cooking and helping out. Amber was 10 days early, so I'm hoping that her baby will be, too!' Amber married husband Hector last summer and, in August, it's son Charlie's turn to tie the knot. But Annabel will not be imparting marital advice. 'I can't bear hearing people talking about how to make a marriage work,' she says. 'If you have to try and make it work, there's something wrong. "Marriage should just be, and if you're compatible with somebody and enjoy their company, you go on the journey together.' I was very shy and introverted and had no interest in academics. Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer. Raised in Kent by her club-level-tennis-playing dad James, a chartered surveyor, and mum Susan, a housewife, Annabel was hooked from the moment she first picked up that racket aged nine. 'I remember gazing out of maths class at the sports pitches, because all I wanted to do was to be out there. "I was very shy and introverted and had no interest in academics. Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer,' she says. This summer, with women's sport sitting front and centre of a blockbuster line-up of events, Annabel hopes young girls feel inspired, just as she was watching tennis rivals Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. 'From women's tennis returning to the Queen's Club for the first time in 50 years and players excelling at Wimbledon, to the Lionesses defending their title at the Women's Euros and female cricketers and rugby stars competing at their World Cups, these moments matter. 'Visibility drives engagement. Sport gave me so much, and it can do the same for the next generation of young girls.' Annabel made history at 15 when she became the youngest Brit in nearly a century to play in the Wimbledon main draw. At 18, she reached the third round, facing her idol Chris Evert on Court One – one of her 'most defining' career moments – and won Junior Wimbledon Singles that same year. 'I'll always be part of Wimbledon history and that makes me proud' But, aged 21, she stunned the tennis world by walking away. 'Ever since, people have come up to me and asked: 'Why did you stop so early?'' she says, explaining that she 'fell out of love' with the job. 'I didn't want to live that circus lifestyle any more,' she adds, admitting the decision was unplanned. 'I shudder now, thinking: 'How did I do that with such conviction but without any idea of what I was going to do?' "I didn't have an education or a plan. I was young and naive, and hadn't actually thought beyond that moment.' Fortunately, life after tennis served her well. After five years starring in pantomime, which built her confidence, Annabel found her stride in television, starring in Channel 4's adventure series Network Seven, before replacing Anneka Rice on Treasure Hunt in 1989. Once digital sports channels emerged, Annabel returned to her tennis roots, becoming a tennis presenter and pundit, first for Eurosport, then Sky Sports and the BBC. These days, as a member of the All England Club, she still plays 'two or three times a week'. Occasionally, she gives friends guided tours, ending at the Wimbledon trophy cabinet, where her junior title is enshrined. 'At the time, it didn't mean that much to me, but it does now. I'll always be in that trophy cabinet, which is part of Wimbledon history,' she says. 'That makes me proud.' Does she regret not staying to win the women's title? 'Of course, I would have loved to have won the main trophy, but I made a decision that I didn't want to chase that dream any more. "I regret that I didn't understand what I was doing at the time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it?' Annabel lights up again as we discuss the players to watch at this year's Wimbledon Championships, namely Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, 22, as well as British sensations Jack Draper, 23, and Emma Raducanu, 22 – who was the last Brit standing last month in the new WTA 500 event, the first time women's tennis had been played at the Queen's Club since 1973. Annabel has also got her eye on American player Coco Gauff, 21. 'She's had her ups and downs on her journey in tennis, but I admire her as a character and a player – her attitude, work ethic and how she's battled through challenges,' she says of young French Open winner, Coco. A woman after her own heart. . . Annabel's nationwide 28-date tour starts September 25. For tickets, go to 6 Interviewing Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz Credit: Ella Ling/Shutterstock 6 Family is everything to Annabel – and now, that family is growing. In September, her eldest daughter Amber will welcome her first child Credit: Mark Hayman Editorial Hair: Dino Pereira using Andreia Professional Dino Pereira using Andreia Professional Make-up: Charlie Duffy using Delilah Charlie Duffy using Delilah Styling: Lynne McKenna Annabel wears sports bra, Under Armour at skirt, Wimbledon Shop; necklace, bracelet, both Merci Maman; ring, Sif Jakobs; shoes, dress, John Lewis & Partners; sweatband, Wimbledon Shop; necklace, Lucy Quartermaine; rings, Sif Jakobs; shoes, Next
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ex-Wimbledon champion Annabel Croft on downsizing after her husband's sudden death & the truth behind new man rumours
Former tennis champ and broadcasting royalty Annabel Croft on downsizing after the loss of her husband, why Strictly was a lifeline, and who to watch at Wimbledon 6 Annabel is one of the BBC's top tennis presenters, covering tournaments worldwide – including Wimbledon, which starts tomorrow Credit: Mark Hayman 6 Annabel with her late husband Mel 6 Annabel reflects on her Strictly 2023 training, which began just weeks after losing husband Mel to cancer Credit: BBC It's 8:45pm, yet the former tennis pro is still brimming with energy . Is stamina her superpower? 'It does feel a bit like that,' she laughs. 'But this is peak season for me – and I love it.' As one of the BBC's most respected faces of tennis programming, Annabel covers tournaments around the globe including the Wimbledon Championships, which start tomorrow. And the day before she steps on to Centre Court to host the trophy ceremony for a third year running, Annabel will celebrate her 59th birthday, plus a major milestone in her sporting career. ' READ MORE ON ANNABEL CROFT She went on to win junior versions of Wimbledon and the Australian Open and represented Great Britain in the Federation Cup (now the Billie Jean King Cup), becoming one of the world's Top 25 players, before quitting at 21 after growing tired of travelling the world alone. 'I've lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now I'm on my own' Today, 38 years on, Annabel is encountering similar feelings again, two years since At the five-bedroom family home that Mel built, she occupies just the kitchen and her bedroom, saying she no longer 'needs very much'. 'It's taken me back to living on my own before Mel came into my life, as that 15-year-old playing at Wimbledon for the first time, travelling the world on planes and across America on Greyhound buses. Most read in Celebrity 'I've gone full circle to that person, because I've had to,' says Annabel, who has spent the past few months sorting and decluttering in readiness to move. I've realised I don't need much any more. I don't want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need. 'The house has been my life for 25 years. Everything about it is Mel, because he built it. We've had amazing memories here that are impossible to forget, but I'm ready to go,' she says, admitting she is looking forward to 'simplifying' her life. Strictly fans can't believe Annabel Croft's 'real age' as she stuns with cartwheel in tiny 60s minidress' 'What gives me pleasure is going for a morning walk in the park, running with my friends, having a coffee, a meal out and being with my family. "I've realised I don't need much any more. I don't want overheads, maintenance, a garden to look after and pay for – anything that is excess to what I need.' Annabel's journey with America's Cup yachtsman Mel began in 1987, when they met filming BBC yachting series Cudmore's Call, when she was just 21. "The pair went on to have three children, 'I've lived my whole adult life with Mel, and now it's a weird thing to be doing [life] on my own,' she says. 'I just walk into an empty house, so I try to trick my brain into thinking about when Mel was out at a work function and I'd come into the house on my own. Only, every night it is like this. 'Thankfully, I'm busy – that's always been the same and that's helpful.' Annabel remembers the days and nights she devoted to training during the Partnered with South African dancer and choreographer 'I wish I could find some way of replacing Strictly in my life in terms of what that show was to me. "It was so special and joyful,' she says, choosing not to be drawn on recent Strictly controversies, specifically surrounding pro dancers Giovanni Pernice and Since then, duty-of-care measures have been introduced, including a 24-hour helpline and chaperones in rehearsal rooms. 'I think having a permanent chaperone would have been quite restrictive [when it comes to building] the relationship between you and the dancer,' says Annabel. 'I would have found it quite awkward, but if that's what you know, then that's all you know.' Annabel speaks regularly to Johannes, who she says she 'adores'. But what of the friend she shared a lunch date with in April, sparking speculation of a new romantic connection? 'He's my bank manager and a great friend who was also close to Mel,' sighs Annabel. 'We were looking at photographs of Mel together. Mel adored him and he's been really helpful to me.' 'Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer' Family is everything to Annabel – and now, that family is growing. In September, her eldest daughter Amber will welcome her first child. 'It feels like yesterday that I was cradling my baby [Amber] in my arms, feeding her, bathing her and taking her to nursery school. "I can't believe that same baby is now having a baby herself!' says Annabel, who hopes the birth will be before her nationwide speaking tour starts. 6 Annabel made history at 15 when she became the youngest Brit in nearly a century to play in the Wimbledon main draw Credit: Mark Hayman 'I leave on September 24, so I hope the baby isn't late because I want to be supporting with cooking and helping out. Amber was 10 days early, so I'm hoping that her baby will be, too!' Amber married husband Hector last summer and, in August, it's son Charlie's turn to tie the knot. But Annabel will not be imparting marital advice. 'I can't bear hearing people talking about how to make a marriage work,' she says. 'If you have to try and make it work, there's something wrong. "Marriage should just be, and if you're compatible with somebody and enjoy their company, you go on the journey together.' I was very shy and introverted and had no interest in academics. Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer. Raised in Kent by her club-level-tennis-playing dad James, a chartered surveyor, and mum Susan, a housewife, Annabel was hooked from the moment she first picked up that racket aged nine. 'I remember gazing out of maths class at the sports pitches, because all I wanted to do was to be out there. "I was very shy and introverted and had no interest in academics. Sport was my chance to feel like I had something to offer,' she says. This summer, with women's sport sitting front and centre of a blockbuster line-up of events, Annabel hopes young girls feel inspired, just as she was watching tennis rivals 'From women's tennis returning to the Queen's Club for the first time in 50 years and players excelling at Wimbledon, to the Lionesses defending their title at the Women's Euros and female cricketers and rugby stars competing at their World Cups, these moments matter. 'Visibility drives engagement. Sport gave me so much, and it can do the same for the next generation of young girls.' Annabel made history at 15 when she became the youngest Brit in nearly a century to play in the Wimbledon main draw. At 18, she reached the third round, facing her idol Chris Evert on Court One – one of her 'most defining' career moments – and won Junior Wimbledon Singles that same year. 'I'll always be part of Wimbledon history and that makes me proud' But, aged 21, she stunned the tennis world by walking away. 'Ever since, people have come up to me and asked: 'Why did you stop so early?'' she says, explaining that she 'fell out of love' with the job. 'I didn't want to live that circus lifestyle any more,' she adds, admitting the decision was unplanned. 'I shudder now, thinking: 'How did I do that with such conviction but without any idea of what I was going to do?' "I didn't have an education or a plan. I was young and naive, and hadn't actually thought beyond that moment.' Fortunately, life after tennis served her well. After five years starring in pantomime, which built her confidence, Annabel found her stride in television, starring in Channel 4's adventure series Network Seven, before replacing Anneka Rice on Treasure Hunt in 1989. Once digital sports channels emerged, Annabel returned to her tennis roots, becoming a tennis presenter and pundit, first for Eurosport, then Sky Sports and the BBC. These days, as a member of the All England Club, she still plays 'two or three times a week'. Occasionally, she gives friends guided tours, ending at the Wimbledon trophy cabinet, where her junior title is enshrined. 'At the time, it didn't mean that much to me, but it does now. I'll always be in that trophy cabinet, which is part of Wimbledon history,' she says. 'That makes me proud.' Does she regret not staying to win the women's title? 'Of course, I would have loved to have won the main trophy, but I made a decision that I didn't want to chase that dream any more. "I regret that I didn't understand what I was doing at the time. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it?' Annabel lights up again as we discuss the players to watch at this year's Wimbledon Championships, namely Spaniard Annabel has also got her eye on American player 'She's had her ups and downs on her journey in tennis, but I admire her as a character and a player – her attitude, work ethic and how she's battled through challenges,' she says of young French Open winner, Coco. A woman after her own heart. . . Annabel's nationwide 28-date tour starts September 25. For tickets, go to 6 Interviewing Wimbledon champ Carlos Alcaraz Credit: Ella Ling/Shutterstock 6 Family is everything to Annabel – and now, that family is growing. In September, her eldest daughter Amber will welcome her first child Credit: Mark Hayman Editorial Hair: Dino Pereira using Andreia Professional Make-up: Charlie Duffy using Delilah Styling: Lynne McKenna Annabel wears sports bra, Under Armour at skirt, Wimbledon Shop; necklace, bracelet, both Merci Maman; ring, Sif Jakobs; shoes, dress, John Lewis & Partners; sweatband, Wimbledon Shop; necklace, Lucy Quartermaine; rings, Sif Jakobs; shoes, Next
