Strictly's Angela Rippon predicts she won't win as she becomes oldest contestant

04 August 2023 , 19:36

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Strictly's Angela Rippon predicts she won't win as she becomes oldest contestant

Strictly Come Dancing unveiled Angela Rippon as one of the first stars to take the dancefloor on the 2023 series of the BBC dancing competition on Friday night's edition of The One Show. The 78-year-old is the oldest star to take part in the series, turning 79 in October this year.

Angela appeared on The One Show and revealed the first thing she asked the BBC was why they didn't approach her for the show a decade ago. saying: "The serious reason behind doing it is because I’ve been advocating ever since I did a series called How To Stay Young with Chris van Tulleken where we demonstrated as part of the programme that dance is the complete full mind and body exercise for everybody, regardless of your age, but particularly for people as they get older."

On whether she could win the Glitterball Trophy, Angela explained: "I have to admit, the first words out of my mouth when I was asked were: 'Well why didn't they ask me ten years ago when I was a little bit younger!' Why? well, I love dance. I presented Come Dancing. The serious reason behind doing it is because I've been advocating, ever since I did a series called How to Stay Young, where we demonstrated as part of the programme that dance is the complete full body and mind exercise for everybody regardless of your age but particularly for people as they get older.

The Strictly star doesn't think she will go all the way in the competition (BBC)

She went on to add: "Now as I'm 78, I'll be 79 when we're actually doing the programme, it would be lovely to demonstrate. I know I'm not going to lift that Glitterball, I'm being honest with myself, it would be wonderful if I could last long enough, a few weeks, and demonstrate that even at my age that it genuinely is possible for people who are older to be able to dance."

The iconic broadcaster was the first regular female news anchor for the BBC in 1975 and went on to host shows including Strictly's precursor Come Dancing. Amanda Abbington and Layton Williams were among the stars also announced for this year's Strictly during Friday night's instalment of The One Show.

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Amanda said: "I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things! Plus, I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about. I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you. I can’t wait to start!"

She was thrilled to have been asked to join the series (Press Association)

Rumours have been swirling about who might be heading for the BBC One Latin and ballroom show this winter, with names so far including the likes of Jill Scott, Loose Women's Brenda Edwards and Coronation Street star Ellie Leach. Phillip Schofield, EastEnders stars Nigel Harman and Bobby Brazier, as well as Emmerdale's Adam Thomas, are also some of the names thrown into the mix.

Meanwhile, Angela previously talked about her zest for life at the age of 78. She explained: "I've met people at 92 who still have the enthusiasm for life of a 30-year-old – and I’ve met 30-year-olds who, frankly, have one foot in the grave! The way I see it, you only have one go at life, so get as much out of it as you can, whatever you do. I’ve travelled around the world for work, but I now want to travel just for me."

Zara Woodcock