Angela Rippon, 79, experienced a “serious asthma attack” during a Strictly tour performance, leading to a moment where she “stopped breathing.” However, she has since recovered and is now “dancing fit” once more.
The presenter Angela Rippon, 79, says she suffered a “serious asthma attack” but is now “dancing fit” again.”
On Saturday, Angela Rippon took to Instagram to disclose experiencing a “significant medical episode” while dancing in Liverpool last Wednesday. She noted receiving prompt treatment from paramedics at the scene and subsequently had to forego performances in Leeds in order to recuperate. Despite the setback, Rippon assured her followers that she now felt physically prepared to resume her participation in the tour. Notably, she reunited with her dance partner Kai Widdrington for a performance at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday.
In her recent video update, Rippon shared with her followers that she had been “unreachable for a couple of days” following a medical incident earlier in the week.
Angela Rippon explained that she had contracted an infection while in Liverpool, which quickly affected her chest and severely impacted her ability to breathe.
Rippon recounted how on Wednesday evening, just before she was set to perform the cha-cha-cha, the infection triggered a severe asthma attack. She described the frightening moment when, as she began to dance, her breathing ceased.
The experience was unsettling not only for herself but also for Kai, her dance partner, as she felt akin to a limp doll on the dance floor. She expressed apologies to Liverpool for the disruption.
Rippon expressed gratitude for the presence of paramedics who provided her with oxygen after she came off stage, allowing her to breathe again. Upon reaching Leeds, she received news from a doctor indicating that her infection was more severe than initially believed. As a result, she was advised to undergo two days of bed rest and medication, causing her to miss several shows. Though not yet fully recovered, she mentioned feeling prepared to return to dancing and kick off the tour again in Manchester. She extended her appreciation to everyone for the supportive messages received during her recovery.
During the Strictly live tour, it was confirmed that Rippon missed two performances in Leeds but rejoined the tour on Saturday. Rippon, the oldest contestant of last year’s series, reached the Blackpool Tower Ballroom special before being eliminated. She expressed anticipation for the new professional experience the Strictly Come Dancing live tour promised at its onset. The tour commenced at the Birmingham Utilita Arena and subsequently visited Sheffield, Newcastle, and Leeds, among other locations.
Rippon, known for her role on Rip-Off Britain, holds the distinction of being the first female journalist to permanently anchor the BBC national television news. Additionally, she was a presenter on the original Come Dancing series on the BBC, hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1977, and appeared in a memorable dancing sketch alongside the comedy duo Morecambe and Wise during her tenure presenting the ITV breakfast show TV-am.
The beloved TV presenter, who was part of the Strictly tour, had a nerve-wracking moment when she ‘stopped breathing’ during a rehearsal. It’s a stark reminder of how intense and physically demanding the world of dance can be, even for seasoned professionals. Despite the frightening incident, Angela’s resilience shone through as she continued with the tour after receiving medical attention. This just goes to show the determination and passion that these stars bring to the dance floor. We’re sending Angela our best wishes for a full and speedy recovery, and we’re sure she’ll be back in the limelight in no time. Stay tuned for more updates and let’s continue to cheer on our favorite Strictly stars!
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