Angela Rippon pal exposes key way 78-year-old has prepared to see off younger cast mates

While Rippon herself has admitted she's up for the challenge, one man whose knowledge of what it takes to go far on the Strictly dancefloor has also backed her.

Rippon's close pal and former Strictly pro Ian Waite spoke exclusively to GB News all about Rippon's chances in the competition.

And he also shared the key way in which Rippon is gearing herself up in the hopes of sailing past her younger co-stars when the eliminations start calling.

"I've actually have a connection with one of the celebs and that is Angela Rippon," Waite told GB News when asked about this year's line-up. "I did a DVD with her 20 years ago..."

Fellow former pro Vincent Simone also took part in the interview and couldn't resist chipping in: "There wasn't any DVDs, it was a VHS."

"Alright. Yeah. It was a VHS cassette at the time," Waite jokingly conceded. "And it was teaching beginners ballroom basically.

"So we became very good friends. And we've been good friends ever since," he added before he highlighted the qualities Rippon possesses that will make her stand out.

"She's still very, you know, youthful. She's still very flexible. She still exercises a lot so I'm sure she's gonna be good.

"She has a natural talent for dancing as well. So I think she's gonna be good."

While Simone weighed in to suggest Rippon's age may "restrict" her in comparison to her younger castmates, Waite still didn't waver in his backing of the TV presenter.

"I think it is about time we had somebody older who went the distance and went to the final," Waite insisted.

"It tends to be just the young ones that end up making the final.

"And I know, you know, it is quite grueling and towards the end, it does become basically like a marathon.

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"It's like the strongest ones and the ones that can keep going till the end stay in.

"So I'm just hoping that they [Rippon and her partner] can pace themselves and and she can do really well it'd be great, it'd be great to see."

While Waite and Simone may no longer be part of the Strictly professionals cast, they are currently touring the country with their own show, The Magic of Dance.

Tickets are still available for dates in Newbridge, Stamford, Darlington, Burton-on-Trent, Eastbourne, Middlesbrough, Barnstaple, Epsom, and Felixstowe.