BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Angela Rippon spills on unusual treatment so she can do splits

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Angela Rippon has been wowing fans with her moves on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor.

The 79-year-old has now revealed the chilling secret to her success is cryotherapy, which helps her to stay supple and avoid injuries.

Cryotherapy exposes the body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time.

Angela told the Daily Mail: “I know I’ve got to keep my body strong, so this evening, when we finish, I’m having cryotherapy,”

She went on to explain: “Athletes have been using ice baths for a very long time to get rid of the lactic acid in the muscles, and this is a new version of that. You step into a tube wearing little booties, long socks and gloves so you don’t get frostbite. Then you’re blasted with ice at -120°C for three minutes.”

Angela is known for her impressive legwork as she was the first newsreader to show her legs on British television.

That was almost 50 years ago when she appeared on the 1976 Morecambe and Wise Christmas show, high-kicking her way through Let’s Face The Music And Dance.

Now she is on the dancefloor once again, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing with professional partner Kai Widdrington, who is 50 years her junior.

Speaking about her experience on the show to the Mirror, Angela said: “I know I have to look after my body. I owe that to Kai because I know the amount of work he’s putting in, but I owe it to myself as well.

“Dancing is something I’ve done all my life, which is probably why I’m the age I am and still able to do the things I can. Touch wood, I haven’t had any injuries.”

Before going on to reveal: “I’m the only girl who hasn’t got blisters on my feet or isn’t injured. I think I’ve chosen my shoes wisely. I have a few bruises but haven’t had any injuries. I want the focus to be on my dancing. But if people are going to focus on my age, I’ll wear it as a badge of honour for all of those over 60. Age shouldn’t be a factor for what I’m doing.”

Angela is the oldest contestant on Strictly. She succeeds Johnny Ball, who took part in 2012 aged 74.

This week, for Strictly’s Halloween special, she and Kai will be performing the Charleston to the theme tune of Murder She Wrote.

Last week, they danced a dramatic Argentine tango and received a score of 34. Fans went crazy taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to comment on the performance.

One fan wrote: “Regardless of where she finishes, Angela Rippon will go down as one of the greatest Strictly contestants. She is jaw dropping.”

Another stated: “Hats off to the amazing Angela Rippon,” while a third added: “Angela and Kai have a brilliant energy and poise that never ceases to amaze me. Their Argentine Tango was impressive- still don’t know how Angela puts this all together.”