Angela Rippon 'to become oldest Strictly contestant ever' and 'signs up' to show

17 July 2023 , 08:00

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Angela Rippon has reportedly signed up for Strictly (Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

Angela Rippon has reportedly signed up to this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing, 25 years after she hosted the original show, Come Dancing.

The journalist, 78, would be the hit programme's oldest ever contestant after she is said to have been in discussions with Strictly bosses. It would come 47 years after she stunned viewers on the 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas special with her dancing skills.

Angela impressed 27 million viewers by stepping away from her newsreader's desk to perform a high-kick dance routine. It was in an era where journalists didn't step into the spotlight of entertainment.

Reports now suggest talk between both parties have agreed terms for Angela to take part in this year's series. A source close to the show said: "It is such a coup to get Angela.

Angela hosted the original show Come Dancing (REX/Shutterstock)

She took to the dancefloor 47 years ago, stunning viewers of the Christmas special (BBC)

"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," they told the Daily Mail.

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Angela has made many appearances on the BBC show over the years. In 2011, she stepped back onto the dancefloor to recreate her Morecambe and Wise routine for Children In Need.

While last year, Angela took part in the BBC's 100th birthday celebrations by appearing on the show. Angela danced with Coronation Street's Kym Marsh and her professional partner Graziano Di Prima, as they performed the quickstep to the theme tune of the show, Ballroom Blitz.

The former newsreader hosted Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, before returning in 1998 when the show ended. Unlike Strictly, the show saw everyday folk take to the dancefloor, rather than the famous faces viewers are familiar with nowadays.

Johnny Ball has been the oldest contestant to take part in the show so far, having been 74 when he competed in 2021. 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.

EastEnders legend Nigel Harman has also reportedly signed up for Strictly Come Dancing, over 20 years since he made his debut on the BBC soap as troubled heartthrob Dennis Rickman.

The 49-year-old actor made his debut on Albert Square in 2003, playing Dennis, but he departed three years later, leaving viewers heartbroken. TV bosses picked Nigel as he’s the “perfect middle-aged hunk” and believe fans will be over the moon to see him back on their TV screens.

The BBC show has also reportedly signed up its first ever Love Island star with Zara McDermott. It's said bosses believe that Zara will attract younger viewers to the flagship show and provide her with an opportunity to further her TV career.

BBC have previously held a strict policy with no reality stars on their show, breaking the tradition with Made in Chelsea's Jamie Laing in 2020.

Last year wildlife documentary host Hamza Yassin scooped the Glitterball Trophy, seeing off competition from actress Molly Rainford, Fleur East and Helen Skelton in the final.

Mia O'Hare