Strictlys Angela Rippon frustrated as she feels her legs could collapse

Strictly: Angela Rippon meets her partner in Blackpool

Broadcasting legend Angela Rippon has opened up on the “very gruelling” training for Strictly Come Dancing ahead of her first live performance this weekend.

Angela, 78, will make history as the show’s oldest-ever contestant when she takes to the dancefloor with professional dancer Kai Widdrington on Saturday night.

The former newsreader used to host the original version of the show when it was called Come Dancing.

Opening up in a new interview, Angela admitted: “My legs feel like they’re about to collapse.

“I know what I should be doing, I know how it should be feeling, it’s actually making my legs do it to the music. I’m just getting cross and frustrated.”

READ MORE Angela Rippon ‘very angry’ backstage as she grapples with first Strictly dance

She continued in her chat with The Mirror: “I’m exhausted. There are bits of me aching that I didn’t know I had.

“I’m enjoying doing it and I’m fine with the bits that I get right. But I get very angry with myself when I absolutely muck it up and do it wrong.”

When she was announced as one of this year’s contestants, she told the BBC: “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.

“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.”

Don’t miss…
Strictly legend Arlene: Angela’s going to smash it …age is no barrier[UPDATE]
Vanessa Feltz on Strictly: Can’t seem to recognise a single signing[INSIGHT ]
Strictly fans plead for Angela Rippon to make it ‘full circle’ to Blackpool week[LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Other stars competing in this year’s series include Les Dennis, Zara McDermott, Bobby Brazier and Adam Thomas.

EastEnders’ star Bobby is currently the bookies’ favourite to take home the Glitterball Trophy with his partner Dianne Buswell.

Bobby, who is 20 years old and the youngest star in this year’s line-up, is the son of reality TV stars Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes told Express.co.uk: “Bobby Brazier has been given a huge boost ahead of taking to the dancefloor this weekend.

“He’s favourite in the betting, but also in the popularity charts, too, with nearly 20 per cent of all bets being in favour of the EastEnders star.”

A total of 18.3 per cent of punters are backing him for the Glitterball Trophy. Elsewhere, 13.4 per cent of punters fancy West End star Layton Williams to go all the way, with BBC host Angela Scanlon making up the podium spots at 9.8 per cent.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday on BBC One at 6.15pm.

Source: Read Full Article