It’s strictly fit for Angela Rippon, 78, as she walks fast near her London home

She will be the oldest ever contestant when she appears on Strictly Come Dancing this year.

And it looks like Angela Rippon is already gearing up for the game by speeding down the roads of West London.

Later the next month, Mrs. Rippon steps into the Strictly ballroom, but first trains by walking the streets near her house.

The 78-year-old veteran journalist wore a Newcastle University hoodie, loose yoga pants with white trainers and a baseball cap.

She seemed focused as she powerwalked with a pair of £180 wireless Beats earphones.

Star: Rippon introduced herself while hosting the hit TV show Come Dancing in 1988

Ms Rippon revealed that she starts each day with a version of her Morecambe and Wise 1976 Christmas Special high-kicking routine which was watched by 27 million people at the time.

It is hoped that the dance will be featured at this year’s competition and Ms. Ribbon certainly seems to be taking her preparation for the show seriously.

She turns 79 in October, but Ms Rippon says she can still do the splits and works as a Silver Swan ambassador for the Royal Academy of Dance to promote the art form to the elderly as a way to stay fit and healthy.

She told the Telegraph: ‘If I can, I still go to ballet lessons. Dance is very good for getting the right kind of exercise for your body and mind as you get older.

‘Dance keeps you fit, it’s aerobic and keeps you flexible. It does wonders for your posture – and it’s a lot of fun.’

Ms Rippon hosted Strictly’s predecessor Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991. Last year she took part in a skit on Strictly as part of the BBC’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Preparations for the competition are in full swing as the professionals have officially started training and two other celebrities have been revealed.

Officially announced by BBC bosses today were Irish TV presenter, Angela Scanlon, 39, and Love Island 2018 contestant Zara McDermott, 26.