I'm 80 and my 'flexible friends' haven't let me down yet, says Strictly sensation

Strictly Come Dancing sensation Angela Rippon says her "flexible friends" have proved to her that age is just a number.

After a star turn on the smash hit show - and almost 50 years on from her most memorable on-screen moment - the veteran TV presenter, 80, continues to dance and reap the benefits.

The former BBC newsreader credits the "superpower" for helping her stay young.

Speaking on a new episode of the Dr Louise Newson Podcast Angela said: "You can do it at any age. It doesn't matter what your age is or your physical condition - dance is the superpower. My ambition is to die young - as late as possible. And that's what dance will help you to do."

During a dazzling appearance on Strictly in 2023 Angela danced a routine that defied age and gravity.

Her risqué but effortless leg raise was a nod to her star turn on the Morecambe & Wise Show in 1976, one that made her pins the talk of Britain.

Angela was just 31 and presenting BBC One's Nine O'Clock News when her high-kicking dance routine on the comics' Christmas special stunned the nation.

In a sketch consistently voted one of TV's most memorable moments she was seen behind a desk, before saying: "A report on the economy has just come through from Number 11 Downing Street. The Chancellor's statement reads as follows: 'There may be trouble ahead. But while there's moonlight and music and love'..." before breaking into a sizzling high-kick routine.

The skit made her an instant sex symbol.

She said: "The body is a machine and like any machine it's full of millions of moving parts and if you don't look after it, it will seize up and rust. You have to keep it moving.

"It should always be about prevention, rather than cure. If you can stop things before they happen then you don't need expensive pharmaceuticals or hospital treatments.

"Dance is a miracle for people with Parkinson's. Music helps them control their actions, improves their gait and improves their mobility. 153,000 people in the UK are registered with Parkinson's - 50,000 of those get dance classes. I want the other 103,000 to get dance classes.

"In a single year, on average 1.6 million people over 60 will have a fall and do damage to themselves...we could save the NHS up to £4 billion a year with dance. Think of it as making an investment in your wellbeing pension plan."

Speaking to the Express previously Plymouth-born Angela said: "I am reasonably fit for my age - and very flexible. That helps!

"I was loading my shopping trolley the other day and someone approached and thanked me, saying 'women our age and hair colour are invisible'. And that's the thing - you can't write people off because of what it says on their birth certificate.

"Dancing is great for the body and great for the mind and (Strictly) brought me unbridled pleasure. I hope some of that inspired others (to know) that your senior years don't have to be isolated and lonely, they can be happy.

"I am a great advocate for our ageing population and if you are able to do something that is fun, and not a chore, like dancing, and I can get that across, well, that will be my glitter ball trophy right there."

The Dr Louise Newson Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. New episodes are released every Tuesday.