Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon has revealed she is in the ‘best shape of her life’ after appearing in the BBC series.
The 79-year-old broadcaster, who finished in eighth place and was the oldest-ever contestant on the show last year, said her performance helped “rekindle” her love of dance.
Angela, who will be performing on Strictly’s live tour of the country, said: ‘I feel in the best shape of my life. I’ve lost about a stone since I started the show.’
The former newsreader said she might even have made dance her career if there had been more options when she was young.
Narrate The mirror: ‘I don’t care what time it is. I love it. So many people go through life with a ‘what-if’ moment. Strictly now I get to scratch that itch.”
Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon, 79, has revealed she is in the ‘best shape of her life’ after appearing on the BBC series (pictured during the show’s live tour on Thursday)
The presenter, who finished in eighth place and was the show’s oldest ever contestant last year, said her performance has rekindled her love of dance (pictured with professional partner Kai Widdrington)
About the tour, she said: “The 17-year-old me who would have loved to be a professional dancer, she’s been standing in the wings for 60 years, waiting patiently. Now I let her go. In my head I’m only thirty. I’m really having the time of my life.’
Other dancing couples on the bill for this year’s show include Layton Williams with Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.
Amanda Abbington has reportedly been ‘left fuming after being denied a place on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.’
The 51-year-old actress was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, but quit the BBC One program mid-series last year due to ‘personal issues’.
This week it was revealed that she had been ‘diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder’ after her appearance on the show.
Now sources have claimed the Sherlock star is ‘furious’ after not being given a place for the 21-date run, according to The Mirror.
The dancers will join Strictly’s legendary judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke, who made his live tour debut earlier this year.
Anton said: ‘It was my first Strictly tour earlier this year and I was blown away by the scale and spectacle of the live experience.
Angela, who will be performing on Strictly’s live tour of the country, said: ‘I feel in the best shape of my life. I’ve lost about a stone since I started the show’
The former newsreader said she might even have made dance her career if there had been more options when she was young (pictured in 1976)
Saying, ‘I don’t care what time it is. I love it. So many people go through life with a ‘what-if’ moment – Strictly now lets me scratch that itch’
Angela previously hosted Come Dancing, on which Strictly is based (pictured 1988)
“So I’m really excited to be back with the whole gang next year and look forward to another incredible tour.”
Janette Manrara will host the tour after the star took over from Zoe Ball as host of It Takes Two in 2022.
She said: ‘What an incredible way to start 2024! I’m always so honored to host the live tour as it brings everything viewers love about the Strictly TV show to thousands of people across the UK.
‘It’s a great night out for all the family – I can’t wait!’
The tour is choreographed and directed by Craig Revel Horwood and promises audiences an evening of glamor and excitement.
Other dancing couples on the bill for this year’s show include Layton Williams with Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell
Ellie and Vito raised the glitterball trophy as fireworks sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors
Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘What better way to start the new year than with the Strictly Live Tour! It will be wonderful to be on the road again with Shirley, Anton and Janette.
“We will be joining us to entertain you all with an AMAZING line-up of celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s series.
“And as you might expect, we have a few special surprises in store for the arena audience along the way. One word, three syllables – FAB-U-LOUS!’
For ticket information, visit strictcomedancinglive.com