Strictly’s Angela Rippon addresses ‘nagging pain’ as atmosphere on show changed | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV

Angela Rippon revealed that she has been dealing with pain in her ribs for the past three weeks.

Her comments come after the Strictly Come Dancing star admitted the atmosphere has changed among her fellow contestants.

Writing in her column for the Daily Telegraph, Angela, 79, wrote: “For the second week in a row, I was in the dance-off. This time against Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Three judges saved Kai and I, booked our ticket to to the Blackpool.

“Suddenly, the whole atmosphere of the competition has changed.

“There’s only seven of us left now, which means it’s a lot quieter when we get together for final rehearsals.”

The Strictly star, who is partnered with Kai Widdrington, said the contestants will miss seeing familiar faces and infectious laughs.

Angela also spoke about the busy week she faces ahead of Blackpool week as she reunites with her co-stars Julia Somerville and Gloria Hunniford for Rip Off Britain.

She also had to tackle a heel turn and three new lifts for this week’s Strictly routine but was also dealing with rib pain.

“Fortunately, half an hour in the hands of a Strictly physio has solved the terrible pain I’ve had in my rib for three weeks,” she said. “A session of pummeling, twisting and stretching had a satisfactory result in that I was deemed fit to dance.”

Meanwhile, TV presenter and professional partner Kai will be performing Ella Fitzgerald’s American Smooth to Tea for Two.

Speaking on X, which she previously called Twitter, tonight, she wrote: “This is a special moment. It’s an honor to be dancing on the Blackpool ballroom dance floor with @kaiwidd tomorrow.

“This isn’t where I’ve presented Come Dancing for many moons but this is Kai’s first time dancing here with a partner!”

Strictly Come Dancing Blackpool Special returns to the Tower Ballroom on Saturday 18 November at 6.40pm, with the results showing on Sunday 19 November at 7.20pm on BBC One.