LW: Angela Rippon shows flexibility with another in air split
The Rip Off Britain host, 79, competed on the 2023 series of the hit BBC dancing competition, and surprised everyone as she made it to the week nine Blackpool special with partner Kai.
However, that series was marred by scandal, with Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both leaving the show in disgrace after being accused of inappropriate behaviour in rehearsals.
When asked about the Strictly scandals and her experience on the show, Angela insisted she never felt like she needed a chaperone while partnered with Kai, stating she "didn't need a chaperone".
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Angela said: "Kai is a gentleman. He's a lovely man and he's a brilliant teacher.
"But the BBC will do whatever they think is necessary.
"I just hope this year, all of the celebrities can finish the series and say I had a wonderful time, and I loved every minute of it, because that's all that matters."
Despite her glowing words, Angela revealed she has suffered scarring from her time on the show, and is still bruised a year on from some of her injuries while rehearsing.
She said: "My legs became a battle zone, because of my age, my skin is so much thinner.
"My legs are still scarred and bruised after all this time. A number of times I ended up, you know, with serious, serious bruises," as she revealed she was left "standing in a pool of blood" during one show.
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Angela has also shared her disappointment that Kai won't have a partner this series, as she said that "the female celebrities are missing out".
She said: "I'm really disappointed for him. I'm equally disappointed for the female celebs, because he's a brilliant all around dancer, he's a fabulous teacher, wonderful teacher.
"He's got the patience and he's got humour, and he's brilliant at what he does. And I'm really disappointed for them, because they're not going to have the fun and the joy that I had in dancing with him and learning from him."
Strictly returns this month on BBC.
