Introduction
In the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing, Angela Rippon bid farewell as the eighth contestant to be eliminated during Blackpool week. The Sunday night results show revealed that Angela, 79, and her pro partner Kai Widdrington landed in the bottom two alongside Bobby Brazier and Diane Buswell.
Angela’s Journey on Strictly
Despite both couples delivering impressive performances in the dance-off, the judges, including Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton DuBeke, and head judge Shirley Ballas, unanimously decided to save Bobby and Diane. Angela’s elimination was not unexpected, as she had been in the dance-off for two consecutive weeks.
Her journey on the show was highlighted by memorable performances, including a stunning high-kick in week one. Expressing a mix of emotions, Angela thanked Kai, describing him as an “old soul on young shoulders” and praising his skills as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher with the patience of a saint. Strictly Come Dancing will continue next Saturday on BBC One.
Who is Angela Rippon?
Angela May Rippon is a prominent English television journalist, newsreader, writer, and presenter. She initially gained recognition in South West England, presenting radio and television news programs before joining BBC One’s Nine O’Clock News in 1975.
Angela made history as the first permanent female news presenter on BBC national television, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Barbara Mandell and Nan Winton. Her diverse career includes appearances on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show, hosting Top Gear’s first two series, presenting Come Dancing, and hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1977.
Angela co-founded the breakfast television franchise TV-am, worked in radio on LBC Newstalk, and stood in as a newsreader on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast. Beyond her broadcasting career, she has authored fourteen books, participated in theater productions like Anything Goes, and co-presented Rip Off Britain on BBC One since 2009.
Angela Rippon is a familiar face on GB News and has contributed to various television projects, showcasing her enduring influence in the media industry.
| Name | Angela May Rippon |
| Born | 12 October 1944 (age 79) |
| Birthplace | Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Occupations | Journalist, newsreader, writer, presenter |
| Notable Credits | BBC News, Come Dancing, Rip Off Britain, Holiday Hit Squad, Amazing Greys, GB News |
| Spouse | Christopher Dare (m. 1967; div. 1989) |
Angela Rippon’s Career Highlights
Angela May Rippon CBE, is a distinguished English television journalist and presenter. Beginning her career at 17, Rippon worked for the Western Morning News and later joined BBC South West in 1966. Notably, in 1975, she became the first permanent female news presenter on BBC national television.
Rippon’s versatile career includes hosting Top Gear, presenting Come Dancing, and hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1977. She ventured into radio, presenting news programs for LBC Newstalk. Rippon’s television roles span diverse genres, from hosting quiz shows like Masterteam to presenting Cash in the Attic.
In 2018, she co-presented live coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Angela Rippon remains active, participating in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023 at the age of 79, breaking records as the show’s oldest contestant. Besides her media career, Rippon authored children’s books and served as Chair of English National Ballet in 2000.
Angela’s Farewell Words
Upon her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, Angela Rippon expressed gratitude for her nine-week journey on the show. Reflecting on the experience, she described it as “the most terrifying, fantastic, glorious, and joyful” period in her profession. Angela acknowledged the support and camaraderie of the Strictly team, emphasizing the exceptional team spirit.
In a touching tribute to her dance partner Kai Widdrington, she praised him as “an old soul on young shoulders” with exceptional skills and the patience of a saint. Angela concluded by expressing her pride and pleasure in dancing with Kai and thanked him for getting her on the show.
About Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing is a popular British dance competition featuring celebrities paired with professional dancers competing in ballroom and Latin dance styles. Judges score each couple, and the show’s title continues the legacy of the series Come Dancing.
This format, licensed by BBC Worldwide, has been adapted in 60 countries as Dancing with the Stars. Strictly Dance Fever, a modern dance-themed spin-off, also emerged. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the most successful reality TV format in 2010, the show is currently hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Bruce Forsyth co-presented until 2014.
A Saturday night main show, followed by a Sunday results show, has aired on BBC One since May 15, 2004, with seasonal broadcasts leading up to Christmas, solidifying Strictly as a major British television phenomenon.
FAQs
1. What is Strictly Come Dancing?
Strictly Come Dancing is a British dance competition where celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dance styles, scored by judges.
2. Is Strictly Come Dancing related to Come Dancing?
Yes, the title is a continuation of the long-running series Come Dancing.
3. Has the format been adapted internationally?
Yes, the format has been exported to 60 countries under the title Dancing with the Stars.
4. What recognition has the show received?
Guinness World Records named Strictly the world’s most successful reality television format in 2010.
5. When did the series start, and when is it typically aired?
It began on May 15, 2004, and airs on BBC One, usually on Saturday evenings with a Sunday night results show.
Conclusion
Angela Rippon’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing marks another memorable moment in the show’s history. Her gracious farewell and praise for her dance partner Kai Widdrington demonstrate the camaraderie and spirit that make Strictly a beloved television competition. As the show continues, viewers eagerly anticipate the next captivating performances and dramatic eliminations.
