Kaye Adams has heaped praise on Strictly Come Dancing for casting older celebrities in the 2023 series.
The Loose Women star was the oldest contestant on last year’s show at 60. She was partnered with Kai Widdrington, who could be paired with Layton Williams in a few weeks if a popular theory is to be believed, but left after the first dance-off.
This year’s line-up includes Angela Rippon, 78, who is Strictly’s oldest-ever contestant, and Les Dennis, 69.
Kaye called the addition of older contestants a ‘really positive’ choice and added that age is often overlooked when considering representation.
‘I do think it’s a really positive thing and I’m glad that they’ve done it. Representation is a very important issue and I think sometimes people overlook age when they’re thinking about representation and inclusivity,’ she explained.
‘The whole thing about Strictly is that it’s the ultimate family show, so it’s important that it reflects the whole family,’ a ‘delighted’ Kaye told The Mirror.
The presenter added that it wasn’t more important than casting people with disabilities and from different backgrounds.
Kaye also revealed she felt huge ‘pressure’ as the oldest contestant, and was ‘self-conscious’.
‘This year with the average age being higher than it’s been for a while, there will be no need for anyone to feel that way,’ she said hopefully.
Kaye already has big expectations for Angela and joked: ‘It’s not that age means you are necessarily going to be worst. I was only the worst because I’m a c**p dancer!’
Angela also has a fan in head judge Shirley Ballas, 62, who thinks a surprising secret weapon in her arsenal could help her win the favour of the public during the upcoming autumn series.
‘She can do the splits, you know?’, the professional dancer exclusively offered during a chat with Metro.co.uk.
While reflecting on her career, Shirley stopped to tell an adorable anecdote about her encounter with flexible Angela, years ago.
She explained: ‘I’m doing a bit of fangirling. I’ve got Angela Rippen who was the host in the 1991 United Kingdom Championships at the BIC centre in Bournemouth when I danced – I made final that year – so I’m fangirling over her.
‘If her dancing is as elegant as the way she stands and talks, then we’re in for a real treat.’
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC later this year.
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