Strictly star Angela Rippon uses sub-zero cryo tanks to save her from injury

07 October 2023 , 17:13

1085     0

Angela Rippon is enjoying her time dancing with Kai Widdrington (Image: PA)

Strictly star Angela Rippon has an ice trick up her sleeve… cryotherapy.

Angela – who turns 79 on Thursday – has revealed that treatments using sub-zero temperatures help her avoid injury. The former newsreader explained: “I have one, if not two, cryotherapy chambers a week followed by a deep tissue massage. I love them. I stand in them at 120 degrees below freezing for three minutes. It’s so relaxing, I can’t tell you. I’ve put my body maintenance very high as a priority. I’m not daft… I’ll be 79 next week and while my head is saying, ‘You’re having a lovely time, Ange’, my body is saying, ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing to me?’”

Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington have been impressive so far (PA)

Angela – paired with pro dancer Kai Widdrington, who is 50 years her junior – added: “I know I have to look after my body. I owe that to Kai because I know the amount of work he’s putting in, but I owe it to myself as well. Dancing is something I’ve done all my life, which is probably why I’m the age I am and still able to do the things I can. Touch wood, I haven’t had any injuries.

“I’m the only girl who hasn’t got blisters on my feet or isn’t injured. I think I’ve chosen my shoes wisely. I have a few bruises but haven’t had any injuries. I want the focus to be on my dancing. But if people are going to focus on my age, I’ll wear it as a badge of honour for all of those over 60. Age shouldn’t be a factor for what I’m doing.”

Laura Armstrong