Angela Rippon – a name synonymous with British broadcasting, elegance, and groundbreaking achievements. For over five decades, Angela Rippon has graced our screens and airwaves, captivating audiences with her journalistic integrity, versatile presenting style, and an undeniable charm that has seen her become a beloved national treasure. From breaking barriers in newsrooms to dazzling on the dancefloor, her career is a testament to longevity, adaptability, and a genuine connection with the public.

Breaking Barriers in British News

Born Angela May Rippon in Plymouth, Devon, in 1944, her journey into the world of media began at a young age. She started as a photojournalist for the Western Morning News at just 17, demonstrating an early aptitude for storytelling and capturing moments. This foundational experience honed her journalistic instincts and prepared her for the dynamic world of broadcasting.

Angela’s transition to television began in South West England, where she presented news programmes for both BBC Plymouth and ITV’s Westward Television. It was in 1975, however, that she truly made her mark, becoming the first female journalist to permanently present the BBC national news. This was a monumental achievement, shattering a long-standing glass ceiling and paving the way for countless women in television journalism. Her poised and authoritative delivery quickly made her a familiar and trusted face in homes across the nation, earning her the prestigious “Newsreader of the Year” award.

Her time on the Nine O’Clock News from 1975 to 1981 solidified her reputation as a serious and credible journalist. Yet, Angela Rippon was never one to be confined to a single role. She recognised the importance of intellectual stimulation beyond the autocue, famously stating in an interview with The Guardian: “You just become an automated autocue reader and if you’ve half a brain you want an opportunity to use it.” This drive led her to branch out into other programmes, including briefly hosting Antiques Roadshow in 1979 and presenting the early series of Top Gear.

The Morecambe and Wise Moment: A National Phenomenon

Perhaps one of the most iconic and frequently searched moments of Angela Rippon’s career, particularly on platforms like YouTube, is her unforgettable appearance on the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show in 1976. In a surprising and delightful twist, the esteemed newsreader shed her formal demeanour to perform a high-kicking dance routine alongside the beloved comedic duo.

This single performance became an instant national phenomenon. It not only showcased a playful and unexpected side of Angela Rippon but also demonstrated her remarkable versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges. The segment is still talked about today, frequently revisited on YouTube for its sheer joy and the brilliant juxtaposition of her serious news persona with her hidden dancing talent. Her appearance was so popular that she made a cameo in the following year’s show, further cementing her place in British entertainment history. This moment transcended mere television; it became a cultural touchstone, proving that a serious journalist could also possess a captivating and entertaining spirit.

A Versatile Presenter: From Current Affairs to Consumer Advocacy

Following her groundbreaking tenure as a newsreader, Angela Rippon’s career continued to flourish, demonstrating her incredible breadth as a presenter. She co-founded and presented the breakfast television franchisee TV-am in 1982, an ambitious but ultimately tumultuous venture. Despite the challenges, it highlighted her pioneering spirit in the nascent world of breakfast television in Britain.

Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Angela diversified her portfolio, moving into radio, presenting daily news programmes for LBC Newstalk. However, it is her work in consumer advocacy and lifestyle programming that has defined much of her later career and resonated deeply with audiences. She became a familiar and trusted face on shows like Rip Off Britain, which she co-presented with Gloria Hunniford and Julia Somerville from 2009 until her departure in 2024. This programme, along with its spin-offs Rip Off Britain: Holidays and Rip Off Britain: Food, empowered viewers with vital information and stood up for consumer rights, cementing her role as a public champion. Her ability to connect with everyday concerns and articulate complex issues clearly has kept her relevant and beloved by generations.

Angela has also hosted Holiday Hit Squad and lent her distinctive voice as the voiceover for the BBC One game show The Wall. Her occasional appearances on GB News further demonstrate her continued presence in the broadcast landscape, showcasing her adaptability to new media environments.

The Enduring Appeal: Health, Longevity, and Strictly Come Dancing

One of the most remarkable aspects of Angela Rippon’s public persona is her incredible health and vitality, particularly as she has entered her later years. Born in 1944, she turned 79 during her participation in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, making her the oldest contestant in the show’s history. This feat generated significant interest across Google and social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta, with many marvelling at her physical prowess and youthful energy.

Her involvement in Strictly Come Dancing was a full-circle moment, as she had previously hosted the show’s predecessor, Come Dancing, in 1988. Paired with professional dancer Kai Widdrington, Angela defied expectations, showcasing impressive routines and demonstrating remarkable flexibility, including a memorable split that went viral. Her journey on Strictly became a national talking point, inspiring many to consider the benefits of physical activity and challenging preconceptions about ageing. While she didn’t win, her participation was widely celebrated for her grace, determination, and the sheer joy she brought to the ballroom. Discussions on X and Meta during her Strictly run often revolved around her incredible fitness, her elegance, and a debate about whether her previous dance experience gave her an “unfair advantage” – a notion largely dismissed by her legion of fans who admired her dedication.

Angela has openly discussed her approach to ageing, stating her desire to “age disgracefully” and emphasising the importance of staying energised and fit for her demanding career. Her advocacy for active living is not just rhetorical; she actively promotes it through initiatives like the “Let’s Dance!” campaign, which encourages people of all ages to engage in dance for physical and mental well-being. This campaign, often highlighted on platforms like Meta, underscores her commitment to public health and her belief in the power of dance.

Personal Life and Public Service: A Voice for Dementia Awareness

While Angela Rippon has always maintained a degree of privacy around her personal life, certain aspects have become known through interviews and public engagements, particularly those related to her advocacy work. She married engineer Christopher Dare in 1967, and they divorced in 1989. They had no children. Angela has spoken candidly about the pain of her marriage ending and the role her celebrity status played in it.

Beyond her presenting career, Angela Rippon is a dedicated ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and a prominent voice in dementia awareness campaigns. Her mother, Edna, was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2004, a personal experience that profoundly shaped Angela’s commitment to the cause. She has used her platform to highlight the disease, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and compassionate care. Her contributions to documentaries and public discussions about dementia have been invaluable, breaking down stigmas and providing vital information to families facing similar challenges. On platforms like Quora and Google, people often search for her involvement with dementia charities, seeking insights and understanding into her personal connection and advocacy. Her heartfelt sharing of her mother’s journey has made her a relatable and trusted figure for many.

FAQs

Q: Did Angela Rippon really dance with Morecambe and Wise? 

A: Yes, Angela Rippon famously performed a high-kicking dance routine with Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise on their 1976 Christmas Show, a moment that became highly iconic.

Q: Has Angela Rippon ever been on Strictly Come Dancing as a contestant? 

A: Yes, Angela Rippon competed as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023, becoming the show’s oldest ever participant.

Q: What other TV programmes has Angela Rippon presented? 

A: Angela Rippon has presented a wide range of programmes including Top Gear, Antiques Roadshow, Come Dancing, Rip Off Britain, Holiday Hit Squad, and has also been a voiceover for The Wall.

Q: Is Angela Rippon involved in any charitable work? 

A: Yes, Angela Rippon is a dedicated ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and a prominent advocate for dementia awareness, drawing on her personal experience with her mother’s diagnosis.

Q: Is Angela Rippon still working? 

A: Yes, Angela Rippon continues to be active in broadcasting and public initiatives, including her “Let’s Dance!” campaign.

Q: What is Angela Rippon’s connection to dance beyond Strictly? 

A: Beyond Strictly Come Dancing, Angela Rippon hosted its predecessor Come Dancing and now spearheads the “Let’s Dance!” campaign, promoting dance for health and well-being.

Final Thought

Angela Rippon’s career is a masterclass in enduring relevance. From her pioneering days as a female newsreader to her current role as a consumer champion and inspiring advocate for healthy ageing, she has consistently evolved and connected with the British public. Her memorable dance with Morecambe and Wise, her unwavering professionalism, and her recent dazzling turn on Strictly Come Dancing all contribute to her status as a true national icon. Angela Rippon continues to inspire, entertain, and inform, proving that talent, integrity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to a career that transcends generations. Her legacy is not just one of broadcasting excellence, but of resilience, versatility, and an authentic connection with the heart of Britain.

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