She was Strictly Come Dancing’s oldest ever contestant
Iconic BBC broadcaster Angela Rippon has expressed interest in presenting Strictly Come Dancing. The seasoned broadcaster – who became the programme’s oldest ever participant when paired with Kai Widdrington at 79 in 2023 – would “of course” accept if approached to replace outgoing presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who are stepping down at the end of the year.
Speaking to the Daily Mail newspaper’s Eden Confidential column, Angela said: “If they asked me, of course. It’s a very popular programme. Claudia and Tess have done a fabulous job, but no job is for life.”
The 81-year-old television personality previously fronted Come Dancing, the amateur contest that preceded Strictly, for three years until 1991, and understands what producers should seek in a fresh presenter. She explained: “Someone that will bring the glamour, and just what everyone loves about Strictly.”
The Daily Mail newspaper has previously reported that Alan Carr was under consideration for a position on the television talent programme.
A source revealed to the publication: “People just love Alan. [Viewers] loved him and [think] he has been the star of the Traitors. He has got to be up there with the BBC to get a huge new role. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Strictly.”
A BBC insider added: “Alan has always been a star – but it’s amazing what a month in a Scottish castle can do to elevate your career. He’s ours now.”
Nevertheless, the Celebrity Traitors personality recently confessed that, whilst it would be an “honour”, he might be too “sweaty” for the programme. In a recent interview with Radio Times magazine, he revealed: “Apparently my name is in the hat [for Strictly Come Dancing], which is an honour, but I haven’t spoken to anyone at the BBC.”
He added: “You saw how sweaty I was in the castle [on The Celebrity Traitors], imagine me live on a Saturday night coming down those stairs [on Strictly] – people would slip in a pool of my sweat while doing the fandango. It’s lovely to be thought of, but it’s probably a bit too nerve-racking.”
Meanwhile, Dancing On Ice presenter Holly Willoughby has also been rumoured to be in the running for one of the hosting roles.
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