'I'm angry!' Ann Widdecombe's anger at public over Strictly controversy

'I'm angry!' Ann Widdecombe's anger at public over Strictly controversy
Georgia Pearce

By Georgia Pearce


Published: 01/09/2023

- 10:28

Updated: 01/09/2023

- 15:05

Ann Widdecombe has hit back at disapproval from the public over this year's batch of contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, after the BBC were scrutinised for signing up celebrities with previous dance experience.

Speaking on Dan Wootton Tonight, Widdecombe fumed at the backlash from fans over the selected line-up.

Ann said: “I am very angry about it. Look, the whole point of Strictly is that you don't start on an even keel. If you had everybody starting evenly, then you wouldn't have pensioners, which I was when I did Strictly.

“You wouldn't have pensioners and young athletic dancers in the same competition. It just would be unheard of. It's supposed to be family entertainment, and the whole joy of it is that you have got this range of dancers. Some will be utterly useless. Some will be useless but funny, which is what I was.”

GB News’ Angela Rippon will be taking to the dance floor this year for the competition. Ann spoke highly of Rippon joining the show and said the presenter ‘doesn’t need much advice’.

Widdecombe continued: “She’s danced in the past. She is a very intelligent lady who can work it all out for herself. I don't think she needs any advice from me at all.

“But my advice to all Strictly contestants is always the same. Whether they're very good or utterly hopeless or whatever, it's always the same. Enjoy it because it's a once in a lifetime experience. You can do Big Brother twice, you can do the jungle twice, you cannot do Strictly twice. Enjoy it!”

Watch Ann’s discussion with Dan Wootton in full above.

Tune in to Dan Wootton Tonight, Monday to Thursday from 9pm, only on GB News.

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