We already can’t wait for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 to kick off… and it looks like there could be a legendary TV star in the cast.
In the 1980s, presenter Angela Rippon, 78, first hosted Come Dancing, the show that provided inspiration to the BBC programme that we know and love today.
If reports are to be believed, 25 years later she could be competing as a contestant in the 2023 line-up.
It’s been claimed that for weeks, the newsreader and journalist has been in talks with the bosses of the show, and it’s been said that an agreement has now been made.
‘It is such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing, so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later,’ a source told The Mail on Sunday.
‘She is the dream signing. The audience at home will love her, and many of them will remember her from her days hosting the show in its previous incarnation.’
They continued: ‘It is incredible that someone of her age is doing it but she loves dancing and the bosses think that she will be a joy to watch.’
This wouldn’t be the first time that Angela has had a Strictly-esque experience, as more than a decade ago she had a taste of what it was like to become one of the competitors.
In 2011, Angela, along with other TV personalities including Susanna Reid, Sophie Raworth and Emily Maitlis, performed in a special one-off edition of Strictly for Children In Need.
Members of the public who are familiar with watching Angela on their TV screens will know that she does have dancing talents up her sleeve, having dazzled the nation with her high-kicking moves in the 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas special.
As it stands, the oldest contestant ever to appear on Strictly was Johnny Ball, who was 74 when he took part.
Following in second place is Paul Daniels, who was 72, followed by Lesley Joseph, who was 71.
Other stars who are tipped to be participating in Strictly this year include former Love Island star Zara McDermott, former EastEnders star Nigel Harman and Jade Goody’s son, EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
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