Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe Couple's Choice to Wings by Birdy ✨ BBC Strictly 2023

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Dance of the series for me. It may not have got four tens, but it was beautiful in every way. I must have watched a dozen times, but it still brings me to tears!

[@bessieburnet9816]

Wow... I don't really get teary, but I got close then... How beautiful. Beautiful! You could just feel the pure love Annabel had for her husband in this dance. He would have loved it. Tonight was Annabel Croft's moment.

[@aljones75]

Me too, so gorgeous

[@naimaboukhouf]

Probably they are going to make Ellie to win as they want to see a love story 🤢😒 Almost not watching Ridiculous scores,comments,no gio Want to watch dances, progress not drama or soap!!!

[@themripley]

Johannes is such a special man. He looked as moved as her at the end. ❤

[@mellybeetaylor8177]

This was so beautiful!! Had a tear or two tonight. This was so beautifully danced. Johannes is an angel!!! 9/10

[@fannycraddock99]

OMG! I lost it when she blew a kiss to heaven. God bless her.

[@Trinity25Apr]

This has been a cathartic experience for Annabel and Johannes has been just the tonic she needs to get her through her grief. Even if they don't raise the glitter ball trophy, in the end they have won so much more.

[@CWb2006gl]

This song reminded me of my holiday in 2019 when James met Elizee bird. Thank you for joining us.

[@Dilydaydream1]

Im crying.... the kiss to the sky finished me........ beautiful tribute, beautifully danced

[@KarenJackson-y4f]

This was absolutely stunning. It moved me to tears. You just felt the love Annabelle had and has for her husband . You got my vote xx

[@dennisarnold6118]

With this dance she does not need the first place in the competition or the trophy - She already won! I am sure that her children and her husband are very proud of her and happy to see her smile again, enjoying a new passion and taking baby steps back to a life and a new situation.... I thank her for sharing her experience and this dance and wish her all the best ❤

[@ellenday2155]

Don’t usually like Couple’s Choice but this was so beautiful ❤ would love to see Annabel in the final!

[@zanetadavies5796]

I was overwhelmed just seeing her sit down and looking up and then they got up and danced. It was absolutely stunning ❤❤❤ there best dance of the series and i think anton shouldve given her 10s. ❤❤❤

[@beverleytodd632]

I’ve just watched it for the 3rd time and it still has me in tears. The beauty and emotion Annabelle and Johannes have captured is just captivating and I’m sure her husband was looking down with pride xx

[@SiasCreations]

I didn't know Annabel could dance this well, this was so moving and you could feel how much she connected to this dance. Her and Johannes are a beautiful pair! Moments like this justify couples choice for me, because the most powerful of dances are the ones that move you.

[@PreppiesX0X0]

Wow.. I’m actually very touched by that storytelling... so beautifully told! I don’t normally get emotional but I did a little bit. Bless her heart, in the scene where she goes to that place with Johannes. My heart literally sank.. this was amazing, executed beautifully. Just wow. That must be very difficult for her, I’m with Shirley a bit, i don’t know her husband but now I feel like I do, and he sounded like such a great person, he may not be here anymore but he’s with us in spirit and in our hearts. The ending, giving him a kiss! Omg my heart.... 🥺. May god bless you Annabel! This was beautiful! ❤❤❤

[@anoodono1841]

The end was a tear jerker for sure

[@olibray9100]

Best dance of the night it was incredible i don't cry but this made me the passion and the raw emotion that went into this i would love to see Annabelle in the final

[@geoliaful]

I was watching Annabel the whole time. Johannes let her shine and lead this time. She was brilliant

[@user-cl8xh6bc9y]

This was such a beautiful dance, full of love and emotion. One of the best dances this year❤

[@stevemccrory9130]

Dance of the night. This dance was on a level with Rose and Gio for emotion. Johannes was so gracious and so thoughtful, as always. A truly special man.

[@anoodono1841]

Yes yes yes

[@janehutchinson9999]

It’s a 10 from me a truly beautiful dance and partnership. They deserve to be in the final. Her children must be so proud of her. Johannesburg you are the best male dancer on the show❤

[@pennyandfishy7241]

I love what she said about always talking about the future and needing to live in the present, something that can be lost at times yet so important to do ❤

[@Michelle-j3b3y]

Absolutely beautiful bless her😢 xxx

[@gabrielasz94]

I knew this dance would probably make me emotional, but I didn’t expect to be in tears from the first second. I haven’t lost a partner like Annabel has, so I can’t begin to imagine how immensely difficult that is… but this performance made me think of the love I’ve never had. At 30 years old, I’ve never experienced what it’s like to be loved and wanted in that way. To be enough for somebody. I have loved…I’ve given my heart to somebody who made me feel so hopeful…but it never worked out. He was never sure, and I was. I still am. I’ll never forget meeting him for the first time after months of endless online conversations and phone calls. I distinctly remember looking into his eyes and seeing my world in there. I’ve never felt anything like it. My heart will always be yours, W. Thank you, Annabel and Johannes, for this dance. It was truly beautiful.

[@beccasalt8960]

Your story is very similar to mine. I was also very tearful watching this, even before they started dancing (the VT was so touching)

[@laphelps1]

It’s never too late Gabriel. You may meet someone one day and you will love them in a different way, someone who deserves your love in return!

[@ravenclawrumba7096]

I absolutely loved this, I never expected Annabel to be this good but oooo she was undermarked? 10/10

[@tattooedandy93]

I was in tears. You can see both Annabel and Johannes almost tearing up. This song is absolutely beautiful and the choreography was so light and elegant. That dress she wore was perfect and moved so softly and beautifully as they danced. Well done you two.

[@tibbs__]

I have to commend how actually nuanced this dance was within the choreography as throughout it enjoyed flowing moments which reminded me as though Annabel was akin to a fawn; unsure and hesitant but definitely discretely emotional all the same. I feel as though the dance would only improve had it been performed again - that way the initial intensity by way of nerves and rawness would have smoothed out. I'm actually glad that this couples choice came about now in the competition, it was honestly needed and her and Johannes certainly made the most of the opportunity.

[@susanvadencourt1241]

Beautifully danced. Deserved more than what the judges gave them in my opinion.

[@streetdancetash1855]

I sobbed at the intro to this.

[@markhooper4532]

Winnie Wallace...This is why I'm such a Strictly devote . Such a wonderful dance.Johannes bringing the very best from Annabel. It's an absolute tear jerker, memorable in Strictlys history.

[@MM-he7ke]

Among my friends we all agree this was the best dance so far. So moving. You don't have to be a best dancer to move people. This was amazing emotions. Annabel improved so much from the first week. I would like to congulaturate her and the Strictly team.

[@janey1133]

The divine Jojo was always going to make this a beautiful dance...and it was just that...simply stunning. Annabel you have already won and this was one of the most emotional dances ever to be on Strictly. 🥰🥰🥰

[@ribena607]

This was beautiful, really touching. And the first time Annabel really translated herself across in a dance; no wonder given what she was dancing for.

[@sarahw9054]

I was crying. Beautiful

[@gerardsloan1593]

Omg this was emotional, beautiful and elegant. Where did that come from? The surprise of the night. That footage before this and with her family was touching. Cherish the good times. Have a good day reader

[@wirette]

This was fantastic. Even if she goes out in the next few weeks she should be proud that she did this dance. It was beautiful.

[@melclo3641]

It was just exquisite, very emotional.

[@irenedavies144]

This was so emotional, I burst out crying when I saw the bench, if it wasn't for Johannes she would have fallen apart at the finish. if they don't get into next week after that I'm just going to scream.

[@ninoj3774]

It was simply beautiful. Her best dance so far. And the best of the night with Ellie & Vitto.

[@catrionacolville2192]

Layton was also fantastic. Had me on my feet.

[@alessiaism3]

Ofc he is with his dance experience

[@catrionacolville2192]

@@alessiaism3 Dance experience or not, the most important thing is putting on a dance that is good quality, but also entertaining. He is able to do both, and deserves credit. Also, Ellie is not without dance experience. There is nothing wrong with that. We need all different levels of experience for the show to work.

[@janetsnakehole-macklin6426]

This dance actually made me emotional, that doesn’t happen often. I totally feel for Annabel, losing a loved one is one of the worst things that can happen to someone. I relate to the part where she was talking about the forever they planned that will never come. Last year I lost my grandad, just 8 weeks after he went into hospital. I never knew that that casual Monday would be the last time I would ever see him. I know it sounds cliche but you really do need to cherish your time with your loved ones, because you never know when the last time you will ever see them will be. Well done Annabel, this was truly a beautiful routine. I know Mel is looking down on you so proud ❤️

[@petertomlinson6107]

Lovely comments. ❤

[@adampeckitt2391]

Completely agree; had lost my mum during early February + then my grandma on Mother's Day 😔 We need to cherish them, as we don't know when that last day will be

[@PreppiesX0X0]

Wow, what a beautiful comment. I can so agree with this. Couldn’t put this any better if I tried!

[@SheilaGoggins]

It was very emotional brought tears to my eyes

[@Orlando-Corea]

Annabel and Johannes….well that was truly beautiful ❤

[@hollymatton474]

I got so emotional watching this dance! It was absolutely beautiful and my favourite couples choice routine of the series so far! Love Annabel and Johannes! ❤😊

[@michaelvega6646]

Their best dance out of all the other dances they've done

[@kimichaddah2731]

The most special partnership of the series💖

[@ManjitSingh-wh3ny]

Absolutely phenominal dance...it actually broke me....loved it.

[@emmarichardson3660]

I cried. Voted for the first time all season x

[@patdoe5242]

Got teary eyed when I watched this both were amazing

[@mrp8811]

wish they were dancing again this year

[@starlove8044]

So glad Annabel got paired with Johannes, he's so gentle & soothing for the Soul. My favourite dance so tender 💕

[@aljones75]

I would choose Johannes as my partner over any of them, what a lovely man

[@starlove8044]

@@aljones75 he's lovely 💕

[@mariam__x]

Starting on the bench really threw me over the edge. She got my other vote tonight ❤

[@andyhalliday3103]

This was the absolute dance of the night for me, this is what dance is all about ❤

[@jaaproos8062]

It broke my hart. So beautyfull ❤

[@ursulagere6209]

BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING 😍😍

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Score - *9/10* I wanted to say this so much I just commented it anyway, LIVING IN THE PRESENT, what a beautiful way of getting that message across 😪 it was heartfelt and emotionally beautiful. I felt the heart and beauty during the dance, Johannes was such a good match for Annabel. I enjoyed everything about this, it was set to such a perfect song for this, the use of the bench and backdrop with the sky colour and stars made this even more beautiful. I just thought it was a lovely watch, good ballroom, lovely positions and very lyrical too. I love dance from the heart and here it is 💕

[@PreppiesX0X0]

Absolutely! The storytelling was so touching!

[@pennyandfishy7241]

@@PreppiesX0X0 I thought so too, I'd rather 100% heart with errors than 100% perfeption with no heart and story anytime

[@PreppiesX0X0]

@@pennyandfishy7241 couldn’t put that any better! When she blew him a little kiss my heart dropped.. I’m with Shirley too, I may not know her husband but I feel like I do, he may not be here anymore but he’s here in spirit and obviously our hearts.

[@Marlie40]

Just wonderful 🙂

[@singingfrog5102]

This was the best couples dance of the series so beautiful.

[@charlottehardy822]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@SammyJaneD]

The most amazing coupling

[@ykc6754]

Absolutely beautiful & emotional contemporary ❤

[@SheilaBonney-u3z]

Absolutely beautiful, she is a gorgeous lady. So happy she has Johannes as her partner, a kind young man💕

[@nonondriessen]

A very well choreographed and performed routine. Probably the moment was well planned also. If it was their last dance, they leave at a high and leave a memorable impression. If they stay, Annabel can dance without pressure. Either way, she is commendable for her commitment and courage. And Johannes for his empathy and grace.

[@amandajoyce6619]

Finally marks in keeping eith beautiful dancing & people x

[@suep3154]

Beautiful. She looks stunning and the dance and the music both say perfectly how much she loves her husband. I am full of admiration for Annabel doing this so soon after the death of her beloved husband.

[@PigeonFace4Life]

This was definitely done for her late husband. Very beautiful ❤

[@maryclynch9356]

So beautiful .Beyond words😢

[@hilarycole878]

Johannes is a truly delightful person

[@ChrissieSM]

It's a 40 from me. BEAUTIFUL! They danced their hearts out.

[@jeanlee5338]

Most Beautiful dance I've seen ever xx

[@laphelps1]

That was beautiful ❤ I felt as if Annabelle was dancing with her husband, demonstrating the love she had for him. Bless her.

[@karenblack1975]

Im a blubbering mess!!!!!!! I lost my mum just over a year & half ago & she was my rock! I cry all the time and every song!!!!! You danced that stunningly and your man would be so proud of you Annabel 😢😰🕺💃😰🕺💃 Johannes Radebe I AM TOTALLY AND UTTERLY IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️💃🕺💃🕺😰

[@DezRosswess]

In the pre show preparing for the dance, was clear it was memory of her husband she wasn't looking to top the board and didn't care about scores (even though it was a very good dance) and the other judges were respectful of that but for Craig to put his piece in about some little fault, ok It's a dance competition but show some heart man!

[@Camille_Anderson]

It is still a dance to be critiqued by the judges & it can't just be emotional scoring. You need constructive criticism if you want to progress.

[@juanitamorrow4743]

Love this partnership. They deserve to be in the final ❤

[@EileenGrant-ub8oz]

Beautiful. Annabel's performances are heartbreaking to watch knowing what she's going through, & she couldn't have a better pro partner than the lovely Johannes.

[@mrp8811]

I may not know anything technical about dancing but his is one of the best dances I have seen

[@CWb2006gl]

I had a tear. Absolutely wonderful tribute to her husband MelMarlene. Beautiful.

[@wendyshaw4335]

truly beautiful

[@themancunian777]

Love that - Annabel and J 👍

[@graceamamilo6704]

I enjoyed watching the dance performance between anabel and her partner

[@mrp8811]

possibly one of the best dances i have seen.

[@angiedawnmoody3519]

This dance should have been 4 10's . Superb

[@collettedeery3584]

Omg they were amazing well done ❤❤

[@donnak6708]

Her best dance she really has progressed so much

[@yusufabed3396]

I feel so sorry for Annabel's husband that was amazing RIP Mel.

[@lydiawhitting5406]

As gentle as butterflies..❤

[@tiffanymckenzie7414]

Wow

[@annaknowles3081]

Beautiful dance! Her extension was really improved aswell!

[@vrojas1702]

Lo amé!!!! 9/10

[@suenettleton2286]

Wow such a beautiful and elegant dance dedicated to your husband I sam sure he would have danced that with you❤

[@danjon8799]

So for me I don't know about others but I find Couples Choice hard because the thing is it is so personal to the star. Now I will be honest with this dance there were a couple of nitpicky things I found such as for me the dance could have had more light and shade to it and I would have loved to see more extenuation of the lines. But the thing was this dance was clearly so personal that it was that close to being perfect. As many people said it was lovely, moving and her moment to shine. 9.

[@aljones75]

She had a tiny, tiny stagger. Otherwise for me ten-worthy and justifies couples choice.

[@christinathompson1630]

Truely beautiful. Have to admit that I’ve often found Johannes a bit un empathetic but with Annabelle he has been superb in all the dances. They’ve been under marked in other rounds. Hope they continue to the final

[@ss-ez4jb]

beautiful ❤

[@mrp8811]

so nice.

[@solerei168]

Annabel looks stunningly beautiful here!

[@Outlier999]

If there is a Heaven, her husband is looking down and smiling.

[@pennyandfishy7241]

Judge' scores ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Craig - 8 Motsi - 9 Shirley - 9 Anton - 9 Total - 35

[@manfredhabes2799]

I love this couple and in the past weeks I saw her improve, but the insecurity and nerves shone through. This week though I didn’t see that. Maybe because of the tears in my eyes, but it was as if she was able to move past the nerves and insecurity. The dance was brilliant.

[@p_vgrant]

if I’m honest this could 100% be Annabell’s turning point because she has been ok but this was an absolute step up. Also heartbreaking story and had me on the verge of tears.

[@person2344]

Scores Craig:8 Motsi:9 Shirley:9 Anton:9 =35

[@meredithgrace4337]

Next is Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe dancing there couple's choice. I can see that this dance is very emotionally for this couple and I am glad that they got to dance it and pay tribute to Annabel's husband. I feel that this dance wasn't for the viewers, the other dancers, the judgers, the pros, I feel that this dance was for Annabel, the memory of her husband, her children and Johannes. beautifully and melancholy done.

[@the5thjudge]

our scores: me: 8 diya: 9 kelsey: 8 owen: 9 34/40 wow. i was the only person in our household not in tears, but i was close. a little more breath in the upper body but everything about this was just stunning.

[@nadiarobertshaw]

I don’t like the couples choice. However, in my personal opinion this has been the best one. Hope they get to the final ❤️