Angela Rippon has shared her excitement and "honour" to have been joined by a "legend" in the rehearsal studio this week ahead of the next Strictly show.
The regular GB News presenter has left both BBC viewers and the Strictly judging panel blown away week after week so far this series and this weekend, she'll take on the Charleston to the Murder She Wrote theme.
Despite the Beeb coming under fire by some disgruntled viewers for its choice of routines for Halloween Week, Rippon could not be more enthused to tackle the upcoming routine thanks to the help of "a legend from the world of choreography".
Taking to Instagram, Rippon shared a clip from the dance studio alongside Widdrington as the pair revealed Bill Deamer will be giving them a boost to their chances by choreographing their routine.
Deamer, who bagged an Olivier Award in 2013, is one of Britain's leading choreographers and directors.
"Well it's Tuesday morning and we're in the rehearsal room, Kai and I... but we have got a legend from the world of choreography with us, the wonderful, Olivier-winning, Bill Deamer," Rippon beamed as the video began.
"THE Bill Deamer!" Rippon continued as she and Widdrington wrapped an arm around the choreographer. "We're so honoured you are doing our Charleston for us!"
Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington have impressed so far this series
BBC
Deamer weighed in: "I am! And it's an honour to be here with you two.
"I haven't done one for a while, I've done the group numbers but not Charleston, so this is a real pleasure."
"So how did we persuade you to come and work with us?" a giddy Rippon asked to which Deamer replied: "Well, we've been friends a while."
Rippon spotted the chance to poke fun at her pro partner Widdrington as she answered: "We have! I don't know about him..."
"It's got nothing to do with me!" Widdrington said as the trio laughed before Deamer remarked: "But yeah, it's good isn't it? I'm really excited about this one. It's crazy, I can tell you that."
Widdrington and Rippon then teased fans they'd have to wait until Saturday to see what Deamer has lined up as Rippon signed off: "We are having a ball! And yeah, we've got a few surprises for you."
The update sparked a frenzy among Rippon's followers, with one replying to the post: "Absolutely love both of you hope you stay to the end one of my favourites."
"What you are doing is blazing a trail," added a second while a third weighed in: "Soo excited for this," followed by a fire emoji. (sic)
While Rippon and Widdrington have received a helping hand with their Strictly preparations, the same can't be said for Amanda Abbington who announced this week she's withdrawing from the competition for good.
Abbington was given a bye after being absent in Week Five but confirmed on Monday that she wouldn't be returning alongside Giovanni Pernice to continue in the competition.
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Bill Deamer bagged an Olivier award in 2013
GETTY
News of Abbington's departure was met with floods of support by a number of her fellow contestants and Strictly fans alike - although the farewell announcement on the official Strictly Instagram page was hijacked by cruel trolling by trans activists.
Pernice took to the social media site soon after the announcement with a sweet message to his celeb partner while Abbington's fiance Jonathan Goodwin ignored the trolls with a heartfelt tribute of his own.
Abbington's withdrawal from the contest won't affect the Strictly eliminations going forward, with two celebrities each week still at risk of landing in the dreaded dance-off.
Rippon will be hoping to avoid following in the footsteps of Eddie Kadi, Jody Cundy, Nikita Kanda and Les Dennis come Sunday evening and looks in a prime position to do so given her past performances and Deamer's helping hand.
The Rip Off Britain host earned plaudits aplenty in Week Five with her Argentine Tango as she racked up a score of 34 from Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood.
