Annabel Croft, 59, becomes a grandmother for the first time as her daughter Amber, 31, gives birth to a baby boy – two years after the tragic death of her beloved husband

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Annabel Croft has shared her joy, saying she is completely ‘besotted’ after welcoming her first grandchild at the age of 59. This happy news comes just two years following the sad passing of her husband, Mel Coleman.

The eldest daughter of the famous tennis player and current TV host, 31-year-old Amber, has welcomed a baby boy with her husband, Hector Llewellyn, who works in finance.

Amber announced the joyful arrival of their baby son on Instagram, sharing sweet photos. The little one was born on September 16th.

In a poignant tribute to Amber’s late father, they have named him Arlo William Melvyn Llewellyn.

Yoga instructor Amber shared photos from the hospital and at home, introducing her newborn baby. She captioned the pictures, ‘Meet our little bear,’ and added, ‘Love you so so so much it hurts.’

Annabel, known for appearing on BBC’s Strictly in 2023, left a comment on the post saying: “‘Grannabel’ is completely smitten. He’s absolutely adorable❤️❤️❤️.”

In May 2023, her husband, Mel-a former investment banker and yachtsman-passed away at the age of 60 after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer and subsequent sepsis.

He passed away only eight weeks after receiving a diagnosis of a terminal illness – and just two months before they would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.

Annabel’s 27-year-old daughter, Lily – who recently announced she’s engaged to Felix McCorquodale, an investment director and a relation of Princess Diana’s stepmother, Raine – expressed her happiness at meeting her new nephew for the first time.

She shared photos on Instagram on Thursday of herself with the new baby, and wrote: ‘My sister recently had a baby, and I finally got to meet my nephew today… he’s absolutely perfect.’

Oh my gosh, she just posted *another* picture! It’s of her, Amber, and her mom, Annabel, all out at a café together. And look – little Arlo is peacefully sleeping in his pram right next to them! It’s just… *perfect*. I can’t get enough of these family moments!

Annabel, who first became well-known as a very talented young tennis player and later became a familiar face as a commentator for the BBC, responded to Lily’s post with several ❤️ emojis.

This birth is a deeply emotional moment for the family, especially considering the significant grief they’ve experienced since Annabel’s husband, and father of her three children, passed away.

She explained that being on Strictly Come Dancing helped her cope with a tough time, stating: ‘I always said that I never truly understood grief.‘

I honestly didn’t understand it at first. Strictly has really given me something to look forward to each day and a sense of purpose, which is amazing because I was previously spending a lot of time feeling down and crying at home – though that still happens occasionally.

Annabel, a tennis player who made it to the fourth round of Wimbledon in 1984 before retiring at only 21 years old, has shared her heartfelt feelings about the ‘horrendous’ grief she experienced after her husband’s passing. She described him as her ‘rock’ – the person who gave her strength, confidence, and a sense of humour.

But she has also been open about the comfort she finds in celebrating family milestones. 

I was so touched when, earlier this summer, she talked about her first grandchild arriving. She called it a ‘positive thing to look forward to’, and it really meant a lot, especially considering everything the family has been through and how we’re all healing. It felt like a hopeful moment for all of us, and I’m so excited for her and the new baby. It’s a beautiful chapter for the whole family.

‘I’m so thrilled to be a grandmother,’ she shared with Hello!. ‘Raising children is a busy time… but I’m now eager to savor each and every moment.’

I adore babies – they have such distinct personalities, and their fresh perspective on everything reminds you to appreciate the simple things in life. It’s like they help you see the world anew.

The baby news comes after a string of celebrations for the Croft-Coleman clan. 

Only a few weeks before Amber was due to have her baby, Annabel’s son, Charlie, age 29, tied the knot with Honour Wainwright, who comes from the family that owns Boodles jewellery, in a high-society wedding.

Just recently, Lily announced that she is engaged to Felix, who comes from a very well-known and influential aristocratic family in Britain.

Oh my gosh, you guys, when I heard, I just *lost it*! Annabel called it ‘the most wonderful news‘ and honestly, same! I was so thrilled – I mean, she’s absolutely over the moon to see her children with the most wonderful partners. It’s just… perfect. I’ve been following their relationships for ages and they truly deserve all the happiness in the world!

Oh my gosh, Annabel is just incredible! I’ve been following her ever since Strictly, and watching her with Johannes Radebe was magical. She actually said earlier this year that when she’s having these amazing moments, she can feel her late husband with her. It’s so moving, honestly! I just adore her and everything she does.

In a June interview with Hello!, she shared that she frequently discovers white feathers around her house and interprets them as messages from Mel.

A photographer friend shared with her that strange light flares appearing in photos taken after he died seemed to be signs of ‘angel energy’. She noted: ‘It’s really reassuring to hear that, and you naturally want to hold onto beliefs like that.’

Annabel has been staying active with television commentary and exploring new opportunities, such as her very first theatre speaking tour.

She’s stopped letting the fear of failure hold her back, explaining: ‘If an opportunity arises, seize it and see where it leads. Considering everything I’ve experienced and my age, I’m not worried about failing.’

The arrival of their first grandchild has been met with a flood of well wishes and affection, both from loved ones and fans online. Family and friends, as well as celebrity acquaintances, have shared their joy and support.

Psychotherapist Julia Samuel, a close friend and confidante of Princess Diana, responded to Amber’s news with: ‘Wonderful! Congratulations. A warm hello to dedicated grandmother Annabel Croft.’

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2025-10-03 17:04