Angela Rippon 'frustrated' by Strictly rehearsals as she admits dance struggles

20 September 2023 , 17:38

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Angela Rippon

Strictly’s oldest ever contestant Angela Rippon is finding rehearsals “frustrating” and says it is taking its toll on her legs.

The former BBC Nine O’Clock News presenter, 78, hosted Come Dancing and is now on Strictly Come Dancing with partner Kai Widdrington. The star – who turns 79 next month – said her famously high-kicking legs “feel like they’re about to collapse”. “Kai is so patient,” she said, while taking a break from the gruelling schedule.

“I know what I should be doing, I know how it should be feeling, it’s actually making my legs do it to the music. I’m just getting cross and frustrated.” Angela had a little lie down in the dance studio as Kai teased her that they were having a “wonderful Wednesday”. “If you say so,” she groaned from the floor.

Angela admitted at the start of the week she was feeling the strain. “I’m exhausted,” she said. “There are bits of me aching that I didn’t know I had.” She added: “I’m enjoying doing it and I’m fine with the bits that I get right. But I get very angry with myself when I absolutely muck it up and do it wrong.”

Angela on TV in the 1970s (BBC)

Angela’s dance talents first came to attention when she high-kicked her way through a skit singing Let’s Face the Music and Dance on the 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show. She was so popular, she returned the following year as part of a chorus line on the festive special.

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In 2011, she appeared on a special Children In Need edition of Strictly Come Dancing featuring newsreaders. This week, head judge Shirley Ballas, 63, said: “I’m really looking forward to fan-girling over Angela Rippon. She announced me during the UK championships so her voice brings back so many fond memories.” Johnny Ball was previously Strictly’s oldest competitor, when he took part in 2012, aged 74.

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