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The legendary newsreader, 79, has been stopped everywhere by members of the public, saying she has given them a new lease of life by \u201cflying the flag for older women\u201d.<\/p>\n
Angela, who was partnered with \u00adprofessional dancer Kai Widdrington, some 51 years her junior, said that while she was still \u201cfit and flexible\u201d she knew she would never win the series. The couple exited last week.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cI was at the supermarket checkout and the lady next to me tapped me on the shoulder and said, \u2018I\u2019m so pleased you are doing Strictly because women of our age and our hair colour \u2013 we were both grey \u2013 we disappear and we become invisible. But you\u2019re going to make a few headlines for us!\u2019<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Strictly\u2019s Nadiya Bychkova defends judges as Kai and Angela booted off show<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI was so touched by that and hope I can get that message across. I think that one of the things I have found completely overwhelming in all of this is the comments that I have had.<\/p>\n \u201cOnline yes, and in the street, in the supermarket, when I have been on the bus, people have come up to me and stopped me. They used the word inspirational and said, \u2018We know that you are 79\u2019. But the number of people who have written or said to me in person that I have been an inspiration to them, and flying the flag for older women, that I have persuaded people to be fitter, to do something physical, has been overwhelming.<\/p>\n \u201cI was speaking to Kai earlier and he said, \u2018Have you seen what\u2019s on the internet?\u2019 Apparently half a million people had liked us and had added comments about how \u00adinspirational we have been.\u201d<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Speaking on BBC Radio 4\u2019s Woman\u2019s Hour, Angela said: \u201cI could get that message across that dancing is not just a joyous thing to do but one of the ways that, as you get older, when you get into your 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, it will help you in your mind and your body, to stay stronger, stay fitter and more flexible.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I can get that message across, just by having done what I have done, that will be my Glitterball. I will see that as an achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n \u25cf Strictly Come Dancing: The Results, tonight, 7.20pm, BBC One<\/em><\/p>\n
BBC Strictly’s Anton du Beke hits back at Angela Rippon backlash[TV & RADIO ] <\/strong>
BBC Strictly’s Angela Rippon defended by Big Brother star amid backlash[CELEBS ] <\/strong>
Vanessa Feltz on Strictly – I only hope Angela realises how much joy she brought[COMMENT ] <\/strong><\/p>\n\n