Strictly's Angela Rippon, 78, may be show's oldest contestant but she 'can do the splits'

This year's edition of Strictly Come Dancing will see an array of stars get their dancing shoes on, including Angela Rippon.

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing's Adam Thomas insists he can't dance amid fix claims

At 78, the TV presenter is the BBC show's oldest contestant to ever compete on the programme, but according to head judge Shirley Ballas that shouldn't stop her from impressing on the ballroom floor because she can even "do the splits".

In an interview with Metro, Ballas said: "If her dancing is as elegant as the way she stands and talks, then we’re in for a real treat."

She added: "She can do the splits, you know?"

Rippon has a long history with the programme as she was the host of the original version of the dance competition show, Come Dancing, from 1988 to 1991.

Her work in the dance world extended beyond the BBC show, as Ballas had performed at a competition which Rippon hosted which means the judge can't wait to see her glide onto the dancefloor.

Ballas added: "I’m doing a bit of fangirling. I’ve got Angela Rippon who was the host in the 1991 United Kingdom Championships at the BIC centre in Bournemouth when I danced – I made final that year – so I’m fangirling over her."

Read more: Strictly Come Dancing's Aljaz Skorjanec reveals dancing plans for baby daughter

As well as working as a broadcaster on Come Dancing, Rippon has also presented shows like Morning Live and The One Show, as well as Top Gear, Antiques Roadshow, The Holiday Programme, Crufts, How to Stay Young and The Truth About Dementia.

Rippon famously showed her dance moves when she made an appearance on the 1976 Christmas special of Morecambe and Wise, where she stepped out from behind her newsreader desk for a dance routine that stunned millions.

Sharing her thoughts on appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, Rippon said in a statement that she wanted to give herself a new challenge.

She said: “Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79.

"But I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentinian Tango!”

Strictly Come Dancing will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

Watch: Strictly's Amanda Abbington issues apology after fans threaten to boycott show.