I was on Strictly and voted out first – the producers have a crucial change to make to the show
LOOSE Women star Kaye Adams has opened up about Strictly Come Dancing after announcing the lineup for this year’s series.
The popular presenter, 60, was the first to be voted out in the last series.
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But Kaye has now shared her thoughts on a key change producers need to make to the show.
The TV star was last year’s oldest candidate and the first to be voted out.
But this year’s line-up characteristics TV presenter Angela Rippon will turn 79 before the show begins, making her the oldest contestant ever.
Meanwhile, 69-year-old comedian and actor Les Dennis is second in age.
Kaye welcomed this change to the show’s format, which will see more participation from older contestants – and wants the producers to make the show more permanent.
Speak with The mirrorShe said: “I think it’s a really positive thing and I’m glad they did it.
“Representation is a very important issue and I think sometimes people overlook age when thinking about representation and inclusivity.
“I don’t want to say it’s more important than disability or people from different backgrounds, but I think it’s easy to overlook, so I’m happy that they’re inclusive of all ages.”
The median age of Strictly contestants this year is 42 — the highest since 2017 and close to the show’s all-time high of 45 in 2010.
Kaye, host of the How to be 60 podcast, added, “The whole thing about Strictly is that it’s the ultimate family show, so it’s important that it reflects the whole family.” So this year’s lineup is one really good thing.”
Also in attendance this year is 57-year-old former tennis ace Annabel Croft, C4 News Host Krishnan Guru-Murthy, 53, and actors Nigel Harman, 50, and Amanda Abbington, 51.
Kaye admitted she would have felt less anxious if she had attended in 2023. “I felt some pressure last year because I was the eldest and I was a little insecure about that.
“While this year the median age is higher than it has been in a long time, there will be no reason to think that way. But there are a number of factors that determine how well you do. If you enjoy it and love the razzamatazz and performance, then that’s a huge benefit.
“I can imagine that Angela Rippon will do well because she has fantastic dance experience so I expect she will be very good. It’s not that getting older necessarily means getting worse. I was only the worst because I’m a crap dancer!”
Kaye, along with partner Kai Widringtonleft the series in 2022 from Be sure to come dance during the first live voting.
After finding herself with the singer in the bottom two spots Matt Goss, the couple danced the Charleston to the music! Music! Music!.
But unfortunately, saving her wasn’t enough, and the judges voted to keep Matt.
When asked by host Tess Daly about her time on the show, Kaye said, “It was the right result and I made mistakes and when it comes to this high-pressure situation, that’s what happens.”
“I’m happy for Matt and Nadiya. The only person I truly feel sorry for is this wonderful man (Widdrington) who was just so brilliant…
“It was incredibly fun, I said my goal was to learn to love dancing and in fact I saw a whole new side of myself, it opened a little door for me.”
“It was a wonderful experience and a pleasure to spend time with such talented people who love the show so much.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns BBC One of them Autumn.