Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington and Layton Williams CONFIRMED as first stars for new series of BBC ballroom dance contest
Angela Rippon, Amanda Abbington and Layton Williams have been confirmed as the first three stars for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The news was announced during the BBC’s The One Show on Friday, with all three stars making an appearance.
As the host of Come Dancing, Angela Rippon knows a thing or two about ballroom.
But she has revealed that her decision to take part in Strictly as she approaches the age of 79 was a ‘scary one’ as she prepares to perform the Argentine Tango as the show’s oldest ever contestant.
Confirming she has signed up for the BBC One dance programme, she said: ‘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.
Signed up! Angela Rippon has been confirmed as taking part on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
Twinkle-toed: The BBC also announced during The One Show on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up
Born to perform: Layton Williams, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition
‘A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Appearing on The One Show on Friday, Angela revealed the first thing she asked the BBC show when they approached her was ‘why didn’t they ask me 10 years ago’.
She added: ‘The serious reason behind doing it is because I’ve been advocating ever since I did a series called How To Stay Young with Chris van Tulleken where we demonstrated as part of the programme that dance is the complete full mind and body exercise for everybody, regardless of your age, but particularly for people as they get older.’
Her appearance on the show comes 47 years after high-kicking dance routine she performed during Morecambe and Wise’s 1976 Christmas special which was watched by 27 million viewers.
While she admits she is only able to kick her leg up to waist height, Angela still takes regular ballet classes in an effort to stay fit and healthy.
She told recently the Sunday Mirror: ‘I still do a ballet class as often as I can. I worked on a documentary which found that dance is the best way of staying fit, supple and strong.
‘I studied classical ballet until I was 17 and you never forget the basics. Can I still hold the positions? Well, yes.
‘Put it this way – the mind is willing, the body sometimes says, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I used to be able to do 10-to-six high-kicks but I can probably do to about [waist height] now.’
Challenge: Angela revealed her decision to take part in Strictly as she approaches the age of 79 was a ‘scary one’ as she prepares to dance as the show’s oldest ever contestant
Well practiced: The former newsreader hosted Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991, before returning in 1998 when the show ended for good
In style: Angela showed off her elegant sense of style in some white trousers and a pink and white blouse backstage at The One Show (pictured with former Strictly contestant Sara Davies, who also appeared on The One Show on Friday)
Famous friends: Angela, Amanda and former Strictly contestant Sara Davies appeared in good spirits as they stood backstage at The One Show
The BBC also announced on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up, as well as theatre star Layton Williams – who is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old.
Amanda, 49, who starred as Mary Watson alongside her former partner Martin Freeman in the drama series said: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.
‘I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about and I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you.’
Angela hosted Come Dancing – described as the ‘original Strictly’ between the years of 1988 and 1991.
Last year she appeared on the dance show as part of the BBC’s 100th birthday celebrations where she took part in a skit where she introduced Kym Marsh and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima’s routine.
BBC bosses are said to be ‘thrilled’ that she has signed up, with some expecting her to decline the offer due to her age.
Until now the oldest ever competitor was comedian Johnny Ball who took part in 2012 at the age of 74.
A source close to the show told the Mail on Sunday last month: ‘It’s 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.’
Overcoming fears: Amanda said: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things’
Fashion focus: Amanda looked chic in a semi sheer white top which she teamed with some black trousers as she walked alongside The One Show host Alex Jones (right)
Greeting her public: Amanda appeared in good spirits as she stopped to speak to fans ahead of her appearance on The On
Tough time: Amanda revealed that she considered suicide after her split from ex-husband Martin Freeman left her ‘hating herself’ (pictured together in 2014)
Former love: The pair met on the set of the film Men Only in 2000 and went on to play formidable duo John and Mary Watson in the acclaimed BBC drama Sherlock (pictured)
Amanda’s appearance on the show comes after she revealed earlier this year she contemplated suicide after her devastating split from Martin in 2016 left her ‘hating herself’.
The pair never married but were together for 16 years and share two children; Joe, 17, and Grace, 16.
Meanwhile, Layton, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition.
Speaking taking part on the show, the 28-year-old said: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
He added that he would like to be paired with a male professional dancer so he can be lifted up during the performances.
Performer: Layton is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old
On stage: Layton started his career at the age of 12 playing the title role in the West End production of Billy Elliot (pictured in 2016 as Angel in musical Rent)
Seasoned performer: The West End performer starred in hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, which is based on the 2011 BBC documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16
He has also appeared as Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and the television series that followed, as well as Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie.
Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis, 69, is set to slip on his dancing shoes for this year’s competition.
They will join BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, actor Nigel Harman and former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott.
Also tipped to appear are Bobby Brazier, son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, and actor Adam Thomas, who stars in BBC One drama Waterloo Road.
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