Angela Rippon is looking forward to wearing all the “fun frocks" on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Angela Rippon is ready for the Strictly Come Dancing glamour
The former presenter of ‘Come Dancing' - the original ballroom show that inspired 'Strictly' and ran from 1949 to 1998 - will become the oldest contestant to hit the dancefloor at 78 when the new series starts this Saturday (16.09.23) on BBC One.
And Angela is ready to embrace the glitz and glamour of the show - which is judged by Shirley Ballas, 63, Craig Revel Horwood, 58, Motsi Mabuse, 42, and Anton Du Beke, 57.
She said: “All my girlfriends are saying, 'Oh Ange the frocks!’ It's all part of the package and the fun isn’t it."
Angela has been an avid viewer of the show and can recall “the many stand out moments” on the show - which has been on air since 2004 - citing dances by former ‘Coronation Street’ star Kym Marsh, 47, and ‘Countryfile’ presenter Helen Skelton, 40.
She said: “Over the years there are many stand out moments. Kym Marsh’s Argentine Tango was amazing, I thought it was stunning. I know Helen Skelton, so it was lovely to watch her develop through her series. There are some wonderful moments in some of the very early competitions too. I expect that the audience stay because at the start there are 15 outstanding moments, then there are 14 outstanding moments, then there are ten, nine etc until you get to the final. Every year there are outstanding moments for everyone!”
Angela has had plenty of advice and tips from her famous pals who have previously competed on 'Strictly', including Helen and her 'Rip-Off Britain’ co-star Gloria Hunniford, 83, as well as ex ‘Dragon’s Den’ star Sara Davies, who instructed her to lean in into the fun.
Angela said: "I'm not sure I should share all the advice I’ve been given! I’ve spoken to Gloria Hunniford, of course, she said she regretted not being able to give as much time rehearsing and practising as she would have liked to, so I’m going to make sure that I do. I have 'Rip Off Britain' of course, but I will do my best.
“Helen Skelton sent me some super stuff, and Sara Davies said, ‘Just go out there and enjoy yourself!'"
'Strictly Come Dancing' starts on Saturday (16.09.23) at 6.35pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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