28 July 2023 , 19:09
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Former Strictly dance pro Brendan Cole is tipping the oldies to do well on the BBC show this year. His backing comes as ex-newsreader Angela Rippon is set to become the oldest contestant at 78.
Brendan, who left Strictly in 2018, said that as long as veteran contenders can meet the show’s physical challenges they can match younger rivals. He added: “It’s hard and I imagine that as you get older remembering things and the physicality is massive. But if you’ve got an attitude for it – and I know plenty of people in their 70s have amazing attitude for life – then that’s amazing.”
Angela, who fronted the BBC Nine O’Clock News from 1974 to 1981, famously stunned viewers with a high-kicking dance routine on the 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show. She went on to host Come Dancing from 1988 to 1991. Asked if he missed Strictly, Brendan, 47, said: “I miss aspects but not all of them because they’re always things in every job we all don’t like.”
Angela Rippon has joined this year's line-up (Blakeway Productions)Asked what, he replied: “Just half my partners really. No, I’m joking. Just three-quarters of them! But I love the show and always have a lot of time for it.” This week we revealed that 2023 contestant Layton Williams has asked for a male pro partner. Show bosses are desperate for a successful all-male pair after Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice went out in week three last year. A source said of actor, singer, dancer Layton 28: “He’s phenomenal and the pros will queue up to work with him.” This Morning ’s Josie Gibson, 38, is also lined up to appear.