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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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Source: USA Today
