Angela Rippon returning for Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Angela Rippon has reportedly become the first star to sign up for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
Angela Rippon has reportedly signed up for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.
It was recently claimed producers have decided to welcome back former contestants for this year's festive one-off following the success of the "alumni dance" during last year's Blackpool episode, which saw singers Ashley Roberts, 45, and Jay McGuiness, 36, and actors Layton Williams, 32, and Danny Mac, 38, return for a group performance, and it has now been revealed the 82-year-old former broadcaster will be waltzing back onto the dancefloor.
Angela previously took part in 2023 and made history as the show's oldest ever contestant at the age of 79.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Angela is thrilled to have been asked to dance again and cannot wait to find out who she has been paired with.
"She danced with Kai Widdrington before and would love to perform with him again, but she has to wait and see.
“Angela was incredible when she first appeared on the show. Who could forget the moment she put her leg above her head?”
Unlike the main Strictly series, the Christmas special is filmed in advance, so it is unclear if Kai would be available to dance with Angela again because he is currently doing well in the competition with his current celebrity partner, former Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem.
Back in 2019, the Strictly Christmas special featured former contestants, with Debbie McGee claiming victory with Kevin Clifton, and it was revealed earlier this month that producers are planning to return to that format.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Strictly love sprinkling some magic over their Christmas show – and what better way than bringing back some old favourites.
"It’s been seven years since they last did this on the festive episode and after seeing how well the alumni dance went at Blackpool last year, they’re bringing it back this Christmas.
"They’re currently casting for six previous stars to return to the dance floor."
Bosses have a whole host of big names to choose from for the Christmas special.
The source continued: "Loads of names are in their sights, with Denise Van Outen, Georgia May Foote and Maisie Smith all big names who could feature on the bookers’ Christmas wish-lists.
"The plan would be that each of the returning celebs would perform a brand new festive-themed routine with a professional partner, as well as taking part in opening and closing group numbers.
"The winner, as ever, will be handed the famous Christmas star trophy.
"It’s going to be a mammoth show, which is going to be filmed in December before being shown on Christmas Day."
