Angela Rippon's Strictly Game Plan Revealed: Diet, Beauty Regime, and the Cooking 'Mistake' She Always Avoids

Angela Rippon Stuns Strictly Audience

Angela Rippon, known for her six-decade career in television, wowed viewers on Saturday's episode of Strictly Come Dancing. As the show's oldest contestant ever, the 78-year-old delivered a sensational routine that included an eye-watering leg raise. Despite her age, Rippon has always been a trailblazer, landing jobs that were typically reserved for men or the upper classes.

Proving Mature Women Can Compete

As she turns 79 next month, Rippon acknowledges that she may not be as fit or strong as her younger competitors, but she remains active with activities such as tennis, Pilates, and ballet classes. Her pro partner, Kai Widdrington, has been challenged to push her to her limits, and together, they delivered a cha-cha routine that received a standing ovation.

Reaction and Social Media Buzz

Rippon's performance generated explosive reactions on social media, with some calling for her to win the competition already. Widdrington took to Instagram to describe her performance as "iconic." Rippon herself expressed her love for dancing and seized the opportunity to participate in Strictly as an expert guides her through the process.

From Newsreader to Television Icon

Rippon broke barriers throughout her career, becoming Britain's first permanent female national newsreader in 1975. She quickly rose to stardom and even appeared on Morecambe and Wise's Christmas show the following year, showcasing her dancing skills. She continued to blaze a trail as the first host of Top Gear in 1977 and co-hosted the first-ever Good Morning Britain. Rippon later became the first female presenter of Come Dancing from 1988 to 1991, establishing connections to Strictly.

Determined to Keep Breaking Glass Ceilings

Despite the admiration and praise she receives, Rippon remains humble. She is still working in television as the co-host of Rip Off Britain and is determined to continue working as long as possible. Rippon, along with her fellow Rip Off Britain hosts Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville, is defying expectations that television employment ends past the age of 50. She sees the opportunity to participate in Strictly as another chance to make her mark.

Angela Rippon's Seven Steps to Fitness

As Rippon competes on Strictly, she aims to spread the message that dance can help older people remain healthy, happy, and fit. Here are some of her fitness tips:
1. Sit to rise test: Cross legs and lower yourself to sit cross-legged on the ground, then stand up the same way. Repeat often.
2. Eat purple: Incorporate foods like red cabbage, aubergines, blackcurrants, and blueberries to prevent clogged arteries.
3. Cook from scratch: Opt for organic and local produce instead of tinned or packet foods.
4. Try supplements: Rippon takes acidophilus, cod liver oil, and ginseng for various health benefits.
5. Exercise: She stays active with tennis, cycling, and Pilates.
6. Skin care: Rippon emphasizes staying hydrated and regularly cleansing and exfoliating the skin.
7. Forget age: Rippon believes age is just a number and encourages finding distractions, such as dancing, regardless of age.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.20pm.