Strictly bosses pleaded with acting royalty to sign-up 'several times'

01 October 2023 , 17:40

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Strictly bosses pleaded with acting royalty to sign-up 'several times'

Strictly Come Dancing bosses have been on the case to have Dame Joan Collins on the programme for some time – but it won't happen.

The legendary actress, 90, has turned them down several times and has completely ruled out ever making an appearance. Joan, who is best known for her role as Alexis Morell Carrington Colby on the American soap opera Dynasty has turned her hand to several careers but becoming a dancer is a no-go.

However, the star has praised Angela Rippon, 78, who has become the oldest-ever contestant for her recent leg lift which left the studio audience and viewers at home completely amazed. During her routine with professional Kai Widdrington, the broadcaster lifted her leg vertically to show her flexibility.

Dame Joan Collins has revealed she's turned down Strictly Come Dancing – more than once (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

However, she did praise Angela Rippon's ability (PA)

Praising Angela, Dame Joan said: "I did see it. I am a huge fan of Strictly and I thought it was amazing." However, she was quick to address whether she would ever take part. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour, she explained: "Are you kidding? No way! I've been asked to do it several times." However, she did appear to suggest she could rival Angela's impressive leg raise.

"I do the splits very easily," she teased. Angela impressively lifted her leg while dancing the Cha Cha Cha with Kai during the first live show. Viewers couldn't believe Angela's age and took to Twitter to praise the star for her impressive performance, which earned a score of 28 from the judges. One viewer tweeted: "Angela having legs for days, we respect that #strictly," and another wrote: "Angela Rippon. Oldest contestant ever, that leg raise! What a Queen #Strictly."

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Ahead of the first live show, Angela jokingly teased BBC bosses for not signing her up to Strictly sooner. She said: "When my agent rang me and said 'Angela, they want you to do Strictly' the first thing out of my mouth was 'Why didn't they ask me ten years ago?' I shall be 79 years old in October and it's bonkers really that I'm doing this."

After her performance, she told the Mirror: "I'm feeling absolutely fine. I am reasonably fit for my age - and very flexible. That helps! My legs? It's a party trick. I am lucky I am able to touch my nose with my knee, but it's not a dance, is it? It's over and done with now, but I know I will have to produce a lot more quality. But it was a lovely memory and incredible to think it was almost 50 years ago and yet people still remember."

Strictly Come Dancing: The Results airs tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Daniel Bird