Angela Rippon and Amanda Abbington have been confirmed as the first two stars for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The news was announced during the BBC’s The One Show on Friday, with both Angela and Amanda making an appearance.
As the host of Come Dancing, Angela Rippon knows a thing or two about ballroom.
But she has revealed that her decision to take part in Strictly as she approaches the age of 79 was a ‘scary one’ as she prepares to perform the Argentine Tango as the show’s oldest ever contestant.
Confirming she has signed up for the BBC One dance programme, she said: ‘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.
Signed up! Angela Rippon has been confirmed as taking part on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
Twinkle-toed: The BBC also announced on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up
Born to perform: Layton Williams, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition
‘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.’
Her appearance on the show comes 47 years after high-kicking dance routine she performed during Morecambe and Wise’s 1976 Christmas special which was watched by 27 million viewers.
The BBC also announced on Friday that Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington will also be joining the line up, as well as theatre star Layton Williams – who is likely to prompt controversy as he is a fully trained dancer and has been performing on stage since he was just six-years-old.
Amanda, 49, who starred as Mary Watson alongside her former partner Martin Freeman in the drama series said: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.
‘I get to learn to dance which I am incredibly excited about and I’m really looking forward to the training too, I’m quite competitive as my family and friends will tell you.’
Angela hosted Come Dancing – described as the ‘original Strictly’ between the years of 1988 and 1991.
Last year she appeared on the dance show as part of the BBC’s 100th birthday celebrations where she took part in a skit where she introduced Kym Marsh and her dance partner Graziano Di Prima’s routine.
BBC bosses are said to be ‘thrilled’ that she has signed up, with some expecting her to decline the offer due to her age.
Until now the oldest ever competitor was comedian Johnny Ball who took part in 2012 at the age of 74.
A source close to the show told the Mail on Sunday last month: ‘It’s such a coup to get Angela. She was Mrs Come Dancing so what a wonderful thing that she is going to be on Strictly all these years later.’
Amanda’s appearance on the show comes after she revealed earlier this year she contemplated suicide after her devastating split from Martin in 2016 left her ‘hating herself’.
The pair never married but were together for 16 years and share two children; Joe, 17, and Grace, 16.
Meanwhile, Layton, who is known best for performances as the title role in Billy Elliot and Everyone’s Talking About Jamie, is an early favourite to win the competition.
Speaking taking part on the show, the 28-year-old said: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
He has also appeared as Stephen Carmichael in the Bad Education movie and the television series that followed, as well as Beautiful People, Benidorm, The Cleaner, and I Hate Suzie.
Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed former Family Fortunes host Les Dennis, 69, is set to slip on his dancing shoes for this year’s competition.
They will join BBC presenter Angela Scanlon, actor Nigel Harman and former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott.
Also tipped to appear are Bobby Brazier, son of the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, and actor Adam Thomas, who stars in BBC One drama Waterloo Road.
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