Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Angela Rippon and Amanda Abbington CONFIRMED as first stars for new series of BBC ballroom dancing competition
Angela Rippon and Amanda Abbington have been confirmed as the first two stars for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The news was announced on Friday on the BBC’s The One Show, where both Angela and Amanda performed.
As the host of Come Dancing, Angela Rippon knows a thing or two about ballroom.
But she has revealed that her decision to take part in Strictly as she approaches age 79 was a “scary one” as she prepares to perform the Argentine tango as the oldest ever contestant on the show.
She confirmed she has signed up for the BBC One dance programme, saying: ‘I’ve been a fan of Strictly since day one and as a former Come Dancing presenter this will be quite an adventure for me.
Signed up! Angela Rippon has been confirmed to be taking part in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
Twinkle-toed: The BBC also announced on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be part of the line-up
“A scary one, considering I’m about to turn 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge and maybe even learning to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Her appearance on the show comes 47 years after the high-kicking dance routine she performed on Morecambe and Wise’s 1976 Christmas special, which was watched by 27 million viewers.
The BBC also announced on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be part of the line-up.
Amanda, 49, who co-starred as Mary Watson in the drama series with her former partner Martin Freeman, said: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually very shy and self-conscious, so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.
“I’m learning to dance which I’m incredibly excited about and I’m also really looking forward to the training, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you.”
Angela presented Come Dancing – described as the ‘original Strictly’ between the years 1988 and 1991.
Last year, she appeared on the dance show as part of the BBC’s 100th anniversary celebrations, where she took part in a skit introducing the routine of Kym Marsh and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima.
BBC bosses are said to be ‘thrilled’ that she has applied, with some expecting her to decline the offer due to her age.
To date, the oldest ever contestant was comedian Johnny Ball who took part in 2012 at the age of 74.
A source close to the show told the Mail on Sunday last month: ‘It’s such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing, so how wonderful that she will be in Strictly all these years later.’