She's always been a bit of a hoofer, has broadcaster and journalist Angela Rippon. Who can forget those legendary high kicks when she appeared on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas show of 1976, or her Hey Big Spender routine for Let's Dance For Comic Relief in 2009?
So, it's something of a dream come true for her to be strutting her stuff on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. To be honest, we don't understand why she hasn't signed up before.
"Because I wasn't asked!" she laughs, sparkling away in a silver sequined bomber jacket. "When the Strictly producers called me, the first words out of my mouth were, 'Why didn't you ask 10 years ago?""
So why does she think they didn't?
"I assumed it was because I was too closely associated with the original Come Dancing show which I presented from 1988 to 1991," she replies. "Not that I ever actually danced on it - I introduced the couples who did. I've been a huge fan of Strictly since day one and have wanted to do it for years. It is, without doubt, an adventure - and quite a scary one considering I'm about to be 79 - but I like a challenge."
Her Rip Off Britain co-presenter Gloria Hunniford is a 2005 Strictly alumnus. We imagine they've been comparing notes.
Bu hikaye My Weekly dergisinin September 19, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye My Weekly dergisinin September 19, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
TAKING CANCER TO THE CATWALK X
Teacher Mary Jones reflects on the extraordinary way her breast cancer diagnosis challenged her view on womanhood and ultimately led her to a London catwalk
The Fall Guy
Surely Caitlin’s boyfriend had nothing to do with all the drama going on at the jeweller’s...
Old Habits Die Hard
Even for our lively suburb, gunshots were pretty unusual and was curious to find out what was going on
A Wedding To Remember
Surely nothing would spoil this special day.
The Haunted Ballroom
Mysteries swirled around this magical place...
Dancing Is My Life
A founding member of iconic dance troupe Pan's People, Dee Dee Wilde recalls the golden years of Top Of The Pops, and how dancing keeps her young and happy
Walking Wonderland
Bridget McGrouther enjoys the great outdoors and some homely hospitality in Cumbria
A Way With Words
A friend's poor choice of phrasing leaves Chris apologetic
Visit Milan
We can't get enough of Milan! First-time visitor Persephone Hughes gives her take on the city's vibrant culture, old and new
Getting to know...Susie Blake
The actress tells us about screen kisses and her time as Victoria Wood's hilariously snooty continuity announcer...