Veteran broadcaster Angela Rippon has expressed her willingness to take on the presenting duties for Strictly Come Dancing following the announcement that current hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will depart after the current series concludes.
The 81-year-old television personality confirmed her interest when questioned about the possibility of stepping into the role.
Sharing her thoughts, she candidly replied: “If they asked me, of course.”
Mr Rippon, who made history as the show’s oldest contestant. added: It’s a very popular programme. Claudia and Tess have done a fabulous job, but no job is for life.”
BBC Strictly: Angela Rippon took part in the show in 2023
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BBC
The former newsreader’s declaration comes as the BBC flagship programme prepares for a significant transition, with the long-standing presenting duo set to conclude their partnership next month when the current season reaches its finale.
Ms Rippon brings considerable experience to her bid, having competed as the programme’s oldest participant in 2023 when she was 79 years old.
Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, she captivated audiences with her remarkable flexibility, particularly her impressive high kick that became a talking point of the series.
Her journey on the show concluded during the eighth week when she was eliminated in Blackpool.
The pair had performed an American Smooth routine to Ella Fitzgerald’s Tea For Two before receiving their marching orders.
BBC Strictly: Angela Rippon has shared she would like to take on the presenting role
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BBCDespite her exit from the competition, Ms Rippon has maintained connections with the Strictly family.
She and Mr Widdrington have since collaborated on Let’s Dance!, an initiative aimed at encouraging people across all age groups to discover the pleasure of dancing.
Ms Rippon’s broadcasting credentials span more than six decades, including her tenure presenting the original Come Dancing programme from 1988 to 1991.
Her extensive career encompasses roles as diverse as Top Gear presenter during the 1970s and more recent work hosting Holiday Hit Squad alongside Helen Skelton and Joe Crowley.
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BBC Strictly: Angela Rippon presented the original Come Dancing programme from 1988 to 1991
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The Plymouth-born journalist, whose father served as a Royal Marine, believes the programme requires “someone that will bring the glamour, and just what everyone loves about Strictly”.
Her comments were made at the Starry Night Gala supporting Action for Children at The Peninsula London earlier this week.
Notably, Rippon’s television career faced a setback when the BBC’s then-director-general, Lord John Birt, suggested she’d “had her day” when she was just 50 years old.
The race for the presenting positions has attracted considerable interest from several high-profile personalities.
Bookmakers currently favour Holly Willoughby at 3/1, with Roman Kemp following at 4/1 and former Strictly professional Anton Du Beke positioned third at 9/2.
BBC Strictly: Angela Rippon’s extensive career includes roles as diverse as Top Gear presenter during the 1970s
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GETTY
Alan Carr, fresh from his Celebrity Traitors victory, has been linked with the role at 6/1 odds.
However, the comedian expressed reservations in a Radio Times interview: “Apparently my name is in the hat, which is an honour, but I haven’t spoken to anyone at the BBC.”
He added: “You saw how sweaty I was in the castle, imagine me live on a Saturday night coming down those stairs – people would slip in a pool of my sweat while doing the fandango.”
Current contestant La Voix has also declared interest, suggesting a partnership with Carr would create “absolute chaos”.