Angela Rippon reveals secret habit that could help her in upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing after signing up as show’s oldest ever contestant
She’s signed up to compete on Strictly Come Dancing – and at the age of 78, will be the show’s oldest ever contestant.
And Angela Rippon, who trained as a classical dancer during her teens, insists any of her fellow contestants who may underestimate her will be doing so at their peril.
While she admits she is only able to kick her leg up to waist height, Angela still takes regular ballet classes in an effort to stay fit and healthy.
She told the Sunday Mirror: ‘I still do a ballet class as often as I can. I worked on a documentary which found that dance is the best way of staying fit, supple and strong.
‘I studied classical ballet until I was 17 and you never forget the basics. Can I still hold the positions? Well, yes.
Be warned: Angela Rippon insists her fellow contestants on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing should underestimate her at their peril as she has regular ballet lessons (pictured this month)
Born to perform: Angela has signed up to compete on Strictly Come Dancing – and at the age of 78, will be the show’s oldest ever contestant (pictured last month)
‘Put it this way – the mind is willing, the body sometimes says, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I used to be able to do 10-to-six high-kicks but I can probably do to about [waist height] now.’
Angela hosted the original BBC One Come Dancing talent show between 1988 and 1991.
Her appearance on the upcoming series of Strictly will come 47 years after she stunned the 27 million viewers of Morecambe and Wise’s 1976 Christmas special by emerging from her newsreader’s desk to perform a high-kicking dance routine.
Angela had been in discussions with the Strictly bosses for several weeks but The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that both parties had agreed terms.
A source close to the show said: ‘It is such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing, so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later.
‘She is the dream signing. The audience at home will love her, and many of them will remember her from her days hosting the show in its previous incarnation. It is incredible that someone of her age is doing it but she loves dancing and the bosses think that she will be a joy to watch.’
Ms Rippon recreated her Morecambe and Wise routine for Children In Need back in 2011, and last year she appeared on Strictly as part of the BBC’s 100th birthday celebrations.
The former newsreader hosted Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, before returning in 1998 when the show ended for good.
Experienced: The former newsreader hosted Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, before returning in 1998 when the show ended for good (pictured on the show in 1988)
Until now, comedian Johnny Ball was the oldest celebrity to appear on Strictly, being 74 when he took part in 2021.
The late Paul Daniels was 72 when he appeared in 2010, while former Birds Of A Feather actress Lesley Joseph was 71 when she competed in 2019.
Ms Rippon will join BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, actor Nigel Harman and former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott on this year’s series.
Also tipped to appear are Bobby Brazier, son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, and actor Adam Thomas, who stars in BBC One drama Waterloo Road.
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