It’s Strictly fitness for Angela Rippon, 78, as she speed walks near her London home ahead of becoming the ballroom’s oldest ever contestant next month
She will be the oldest contestant ever when she appears on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
And it looks like Angela Rippon is already gearing up for the competition by speed walking around the roads of West London.
Later next month Ms Rippon will step into the Strictly ballroom but first, she’s working out by striding around the streets near her home.
The 78-year-old veteran journalist was seen sporting a Newcastle University hoodie, loose yoga trousers with white trainers and a baseball cap.
She appeared focused as she power-walked wearing a pair of £180 wireless Beats earphones.
Fitness: Getting fit for Strictly, the original ballroom queen Angela Rippon is out getting fit by speed walking on the streets around West London
Star: Rippon pictured presenting the hit TV show Come Dancing in 1988
Ms Rippon revealed she starts each day with a version of her Morecambe and Wise 1976 Christmas Special high-kicking routine which was watched by 27million people at the time.
It is hoped the dance will make an appearance during this year’s competition and Ms Ribbon certainly seems to be taking her preparation for the show seriously.
READ MORE: Zara McDermott is confirmed as the seventh star for new series of Strictly Come Dancing
She will turn 79 in October but Ms Rippon says she can still do the splits and works as a Silver Swan ambassador for the Royal Academy of Dance promoting the art form to the elderly as a way of staying fit and healthy.
She told the Telegraph: ‘When I can, I still go to ballet classes. Dance is very good for getting the right kind of exercise for your mind and body as you get older.
‘Dance keeps you fit, it’s aerobic and keeps you supple. It does wonders for your posture – and it’s very sociable.’
Ms Rippon hosted Strictly’s forerunner Come Dancing between 1988 and 1991. Last year she took part in a skit on Strictly as part of the BBC’s 100th birthday celebrations.
Preparations for the competition are heating up as the professionals have officially begun training and two further celebrities have been revealed.
Officially announced by BBC bosses today were the Irish TV presenter, Angela Scanlon, 39, and Love Island 2018 contestant Zara McDermott, 26.
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