Is Angela Rippon a Trained Dancer? A Glimpse into Her Dance History

As TV legend Angela Rippon prepares to take her inaugural spin on the Strictly Come Dancing stage, fans are curious about her dancing prowess and whether she has a history in dance. At 78 years old, Angela is set to make history herself as the oldest celebrity contestant to grace the glitzy BBC One show. However, long before her Strictly debut, Angela Rippon had a connection to dance that may surprise some.

Angela Rippon’s remarkable career has made her one of the UK’s most recognizable and beloved presenters. She has hosted a wide range of programs, from Top Gear to Rip Off Britain, and is now adding Strictly Come Dancing to her illustrious resume.

But let’s dive into Angela’s dance history. Before the era of Strictly Come Dancing, there was a BBC show known as “Come Dancing.” This competition series, often referred to as the OG (original) dance show, ran intermittently from 1949 to 1998. Unlike its successor, Strictly Come Dancing, the contestants on “Come Dancing” were not celebrities.

In a surprising twist, Angela Rippon was one of the hosts of this iconic dance show. She graced the program with her presence from 1988 to 1991 and returned for one final stint in 1998. Angela’s connection to “Come Dancing” adds an intriguing layer to her participation in Strictly.

Reflecting on her involvement with both shows, Angela shared her excitement, stating, “Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me.” It’s clear that Angela’s experience with dance programming has paved the way for her exciting journey on Strictly Come Dancing.

While Angela may not have danced on “Come Dancing,” she did display her dance moves in a memorable moment during the Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise Christmas special in 1976. In a hilarious yet stunning performance, Angela joined the comedy duo for an energetic, high-kicking dance routine that captured the hearts of viewers.

When asked about her dancing skills, Angela explained, “I presented Come Dancing, I didn’t dance in Come Dancing. But I’m very fortunate I’ve been around dancers for a very long time, and doing Come Dancing, I was chairman of the English National Ballet for four years—I’ve been around dancers. So, I know what’s required.”

As Angela Rippon takes to the Strictly dance floor alongside her professional partner Kai Widdrington, viewers can anticipate a seasoned presenter with a profound appreciation for dance. Angela’s journey promises to be a captivating one, and her extensive background in the world of dance adds a unique dimension to her participation in Strictly Come Dancing.