Strictly's Angela Rippon, 79, says she's in the 'best shape of her life' after BBC show 'reawakened' her love of dance: 'I've been waiting 60 years for this!'

Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon has revealed she is in the ‘best shape of her life’ after appearing on the BBC series.

The broadcaster, 79, who finished in eight position and was show’s oldest ever contestent last year, said her appearance helped ‘reawaken’ her love of dance.

Angela, who will be performing in Strictly’s live tour up and down the country, said: ‘I feel in the best shape of my life. I’ve lost about a stone from when I started the show.’

The former newsreader said she may have even made dance her career if there had been more options when she was young.

Telling The Mirror: ‘I don’t care how late it’s come. I’m loving it. So many people go through life with a ‘what-if’ moment – through Strictly now I get to scratch that itch.’

Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Rippon, 79, has revealed she is in the ‘best shape of her life’ after appearing on the BBC series (pictured during show’s live tour on Thursday)

The broadcaster who finished in eight position and was show’s oldest ever contestent last year, said her appearance helped ‘reawaken’ her love of dance (pictured with pro partner Kai Widdrington)

Speaking of the tour she said: ‘The 17-year-old me who would love to have been a professional dancer, she’s been 60 years in the wings, waiting patiently. Now I’m unleashing her. In my head I’m still only 30. I really am having the time of my life.’

Other dance couples on the bill from this year’s show include Layton Williams with Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell.

Amanda Abbington has reportedly been left ‘fuming after she was denied a place on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.’

The actress, 51, was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, but quit the BBC One programme mid-series last year citing ‘personal issues’.

This week it was revealed she had ‘been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder’ following her stint on the show.

Now sources have allegedly claimed the Sherlock star is ‘furious’ after not being offered a place on the 21-date run, according to The Mirror.

The dancers will join Strictly’s legendary judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, who made his live tour debut earlier this year.

Anton said: ‘It was my first Strictly tour earlier this year and I was blown away by the scale and spectacle of the live experience.

Angela, who will be performing in Strictly’s live tour up and down the country, said: ‘I feel in the best shape of my life. I’ve lost about a stone from when I started the show’

The former newsreader said she may have even made dance her career if there had been more options when she was young (pictured in 1976)

Saying: ‘I don’t care how late it’s come. I’m loving it. So many people go through life with a ‘what-if’ moment – through Strictly now I get to scratch that itch’

Angela previously hosted Come Dancing on which Strictly is based (pictured 1988)

‘So, I’m thrilled to be back with all the gang next year and look forward to another incredible tour.’

Janette Manrara will host the tour after the star took over from Zoe Ball as host of It Takes Two in 2022.

She said: ‘What an incredible way to kick off 2024! I am always so honoured to host the live tour as it brings everything that viewers love about the Strictly TV show to thousands of people around the UK.

‘It’s a great night out for all the family – I just can’t wait!’

The tour will be choreographed and directed by Craig Revel Horwood, promising audiences an evening of glamour and excitement.

Other dance couples on the bill from this year’s show include Layton Williams with Nikita Kuzmin and Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell

Ellie and Vito raised the glitterball trophy as pyrotechnics sparked and confetti fell from the ceiling as they were lifted onto the shoulders of their former competitors

Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘What better way to start the new year than with the Strictly Live Tour! It’s going to be gorgeous to be back on the road with Shirley, Anton, and Janette.

‘Joining us to entertain you all will be an A-MAZ-ING line-up of celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s series.

‘And, as you would expect, we will have a few extra special surprises in store for the arena audiences along the way. One word, three syllables – FAB-U-LOUS!’

For ticket information, visit strictlycomedancinglive.com