https://videos.metro.co.uk/video/met/2023/10/26/2370931244289864831/480x270_MP4_2370931244289864831.mp4Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington have responded perfectly to criticism over their Strictly Come Dancing performances.
Angela became the show’s oldest-ever participant this year, joining at the age of 78, and immediately wowed viewers with an astonishing high kick at the end of their first dance.
Since then, the duo has smashed it with Cha Cha Chas, Tangos, Foxtrots, and Quicksteps, receiving 34 points from the judges last week, despite Angela turning 79 midway through the series.
While their performances have impressed the judges and many spectators, some have accused them of just doing slow dances.
Angela has responded to the severe criticism in an interview on Thursday’s Good Morning Britain, after Kate Garraway mentioned several viewers’ complaints.
The irritated Rip-Off Britain host reminded them that ‘we did the first dance to the Cha Cha Cha’ – not exactly a leisurely dance.
Kai then promised fans that a ‘quick and entertaining’ episode is in the works, with Angela’making plenty of steps to a rapid Charleston’ in a future episode.
Angela went on to defend the slower routines, saying that ‘while it may not look exhausting, to get that physical, musical precision … requires a heck of a lot of energy in a different way compared to doing something fast.’
The actress was also quizzed about her jaw-dropping high kick, which she described as a “party trick.”
‘I’m very supple, I always have been,’ she explained.
‘I play tennis, pilates, I keep fit for the day job I do. Every morning I stretch. So it’s just one of those things I can do.’
The couple avoided discussing the biggest Strictly news of the week, Amanda Abbington’s surprising resignation and allegations of a rift between her and partner Giovanni Pernice.
Amanda revealed on Monday that she will be departing the performance early after missing the previous Saturday’s concert due to “medical reasons.”
The Sherlock actress then released a message on her Instagram page thanking everyone who helped her, but she didn’t mention Giovanni by name, causing many to suspect that they had a falling out.
Amanda’s team denied any snub and instead stated that she wanted to be “inclusive.”
‘She was inclusive of everyone involved in the show who helped make her appearance not only happen but a success,’ they said.
‘She loved everybody on the programme and did not want to leave anyone out. She is extremely grateful and wishes she could have continued. Health comes first always.’
Later, it was revealed that Giovanni was ‘annoyed’. Amanda had not notified him of her leaving, and a producer allegedly informed her of the news hours before it was made public.
A source told The Star: ‘She hasn’t been replying to messages or telling him what’s happening. He’s been complaining about it to friends. He’s frustrated.’
However a rep for Gio insisted to Metro.co.uk that the ‘story is nonsense.’
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX; Strictly Come Dancing returns this Saturday.
Source My Celebrity Life.