Angela Rippon has revealed her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Kai Widdrington refused to let all of their rehearsals be filmed in order to maintain secrecy over their first routine.
The broadcaster, 79, appeared on the BBC show last year, with her and Kai, 29, making it all the way to Blackpool Week, before being eliminated.
The Latin and ballroom competition returned to screens at the weekend, amid a year of major scandals and a recent shock NTA win upon its 20th anniversary.
The popular show has been thrown into turmoil amid allegations of ‘bullying’ and abuse for two of its former dancers, Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice.
Graziano has admitted to kicking his partner and Love Island star, Zara McDermott, in training while Giovanni’s partner, Amanda Abbington, has accused the Italian dancer of bullying her in rehearsals – both while the cameras were off.
Angela Rippon has revealed her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Kai Widdrington refused to let all of their rehearsals be filmed in order to maintain secrecy over their first routine (pictured on show)
The broadcaster, 79, appeared on the BBC show last year, with her and Kai, 29, making it all the way to Blackpool Week, before being eliminated.
The Latin and ballroom competition returned to screens at the weekend, amid a year of major scandals and a recent shock NTA win upon its 20th anniversary (Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly pictured)
As a result, the BBC has called in chaperones for the new series to watch over the couples at all times during rehearsals.
Angela has opened up on her time training on the show and revealed that Kai had once deliberately banned camera crews from recording their rehearsals for their first dance.
The journalist – who made history as the show’s oldest ever contestant – wowed viewers during the launch show, as she performed a very energetic Cha-cha-cha.
Dancing to Shirley Bassey’s Get the Party Started, she left fans open-mouthed as she ended the routine by stretching her leg all the way up to her head, in an incredibly display of flexibility.
Recalling how she practiced the move with Kai, Angela explained how the professional dancer was insistent it was never filmed so that it could be a huge surprise for the audience.
Speaking to The Express about how he choreographed the ending high kick, she said: ‘So I did it again and as I kick [Kai] caught my foot and he just kept pushing it and it got level to my nose, and he said “that’ll do”.
She continued: ‘You have camera crews in filming it. So when we were rehearsing, you would get to that part of the dance at the end and he wouldn’t do it. He never, ever wanted it filmed. He said no, he kept referring to it as our Easter egg and that would be a surprise.’
Angela explained that she had found it ‘hard’ to keep it a secret, but that it had been worth it by the standing ovation she got.
The popular show has been thrown into turmoil amid allegations of ‘bullying’ and abuse for two of its former dancers, Graziano Di Prima (pictured with Zara) and Giovanni Pernice
Graziano has admitted to kicking his partner and Love Island star, Zara McDermott , in training while Giovanni’s partner, Amanda Abbington, has accused the Italian dancer of bullying her in rehearsals – both while the cameras were off (pictured with Giovanni on show)
Angela has opened up on her time training on the show and revealed that Kai had once deliberately banned camera crews from recording their rehearsals for their first dance
Dancing the Cha-cha-cha to Shirley Bassey’s Get the Party Started, she left fans open-mouthed as she ended the routine by stretching her leg all the way up to her head, in an incredibly display of flexibility
Recalling how she practiced the move with Kai, Angela explained how the professional dancer was insistent it was never filmed so that it could be a huge surprise for the audience
She said: ‘We did the whole dance and everybody saw me do it for the first time. The reaction from the audience was extraordinary. When I looked up, everybody was on their feet applauding. But it was hard to keep it a secret, even from the groups.’
Earlier this month, Angela discussed the introduction of new measures on the BBC show, insisted that she ‘didn’t need a chaperone’ when partnered with Kai.
She gushed to Express.co.uk: ‘Kai is a gentleman. He’s a lovely man and he’s a brilliant teacher. But the BBC will do whatever they think is necessary.’
She also expressed her disappointment that Kai was not getting a celebrity partner in this series, saying ‘the female celebrities are missing out’.
It was revealed during Saturday’s launch show that the dancer will be ‘benched’ from the competition and only taking part in the group numbers, alongside fellow pros Carlos Gu and Lauren Oakley.
Giving her thoughts, Angela said: ‘I’m really disappointed for him. I’m equally disappointed for the female celebs, because he’s a brilliant all around dancer, he’s a fabulous teacher, wonderful teacher.
‘He’s got the patience and he’s got humour, and he’s brilliant at what he does. And I’m really disappointed for them, because they’re not going to have the fun and the joy that I had in dancing with him and learning from him.’
Kai broke his silence about missing out on a partner on the show earlier this week, telling the Daily Star: ‘Everyone wants to get a celebrity. Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series. Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them.
Earlier this month, Angela discussed the introduction of new measures on the BBC show, insisted that she ‘didn’t need a chaperone’ when partnered with Kai and calling him a ‘gentleman’ (pictured together in February)
She also expressed her disappointment that Kai was not getting a celebrity partner in this series, saying ‘the female celebrities are missing out’
‘Some of us don’t get partners and that’s the way it is. Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.’
Strictly’s Class of 2024 is made up of stars like EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.
Other contestants include X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Miranda star Sarah Hadland and DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles.
Comedian Chris McCausland – who has made history as the show’s first blind participant – has already become a firm favourite amongst fans thanks to his wicked sense of humour.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.’
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing’
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
Montell Douglas
Age: 38
Profession: Former Team GB Olympian and current Gladiator
Montell says: ‘Hopefully a few of my Gladiator moves will come in handy with the Tango or Paso Doble!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: ‘A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me – I didn’t do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.’
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life!’
