BBC Strictly Come Dancing star opens up on 'panic attacks' as she makes admission

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Annabel Croft has opened up on suffering "panic attacks" as she made an admission.

The ex-tennis professional took part in the 21st series of Strictly alongside her professional partner Johannes Radebe.

The beloved duo reached the semi-final, securing fourth place behind winning couple Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola.

Now, Annabel is embarking on a 28-date tour across England, Scotland and Wales.

Her debut tour, entitled From Tennis Balls to Glitter Balls, kicks off next month, and will offer audiences an insider's glimpse into the world's most prestigious tennis tournaments, whilst also delving into Annabel's Strictly experience, reports Edinburgh Live.

Annabel appeared on The One Show on Wednesday (August 6), where she discussed her fresh career endeavour with presenters Alex Jones and Vernon Kay.

"I've been asked to do a speaking tour around the country from middle to late September till November, and it's new territory for me because I've never done anything like that before," she revealed.

"I have done speeches and things, but it's a chance for me to talk about what does it take to go from being a little girl as I was at nine, picking up a racket for the first time.

"What does it take, sort of the apprenticeship of going on that journey to then make it to Wimbledon, and then retiring at 21 and moving into broadcasting, interviewing all these wonderful great champions.

"And how did that lead me to Strictly Come Dancing. So, it's kind of a tour to look back and reflect on my life."

The 59-year-old went on to reveal her pride in conquering public speaking, despite previously battling confidence issues, which she branded as "terrifying".

"When I look back at speaking, it was actually something I was very fearful of when I was younger. I used to almost hyperventilate and have a complete panic attack about speaking publicly," she openly admitted.

"It's funny for me now thinking, 'Well, I'm going to do a speaking tour'. And it's like, 'How on earth have I come such a big circle?' To be able to have the confidence."

Prior to this year's series launching, rumours have been swirling regarding which famous faces will take to the Strictly ballroom. Current cast rumours include Love Island's Dani Dyer, Olympic legend Mo Farah and Corrie star Helen Flanagan.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn