I was on Strictly and voted off first – producers need to make a crucial change to the show
LOOSE Women star Kaye Adams has spoken out about Strictly Come Dancing, after the line-up for this year’s series was revealed.
The popular presenter, 60, was the first to be voted off the last series.
But Kaye has now given her thoughts on a crucial change producers need to make to the show.
The TV star was last year’s oldest contestant and the first to be voted off.
But this year’s line-up features TV host Angela Rippon, who will turn 79 before the show starts, making her its oldest ever contender.
While comedian and actor Les Dennis, 69, is second in the age stakes.
Kaye has welcomed this change to the show’s format, which sees more older contestants taking part – and wants producers to make it more permanent.
Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “I do think it’s a really positive thing and I’m glad that they’ve done it.
“Representation is a very important issue and I think sometimes people overlook age when they’re thinking about representation and inclusivity.
“I’m not trying to say it’s more important than disability, or people from different backgrounds, but I think it can easily get overlooked, so I’m delighted that they’re including all ages.”
The average age of contestants in this year’s Strictly is 42 – the highest since 2017 and close to the show’s record high of 45 back in 2010.
Kaye, who hosts 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 line-up is a really good thing.”
The contestants this year also include 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 that she would have felt less anxious had she taken part in 2023. “I felt a pressure last year because I was the oldest and I was a bit self-conscious of it.
“Whereas this year with the average age being higher than it’s been for a while, there will be no need for anyone to feel that way. But there’s a whole range of factors that go into how well you do. If you relish it and love the razzamatazz and performance then that’s a huge advantage.
“I can imagine that Angela Rippon will do well because she’s got fabulous dance experience, so I expect that she will be very good. It’s not that age means you are necessarily going to be worst. I was only the worst because I’m a crap dancer!”
Kaye, along with partner Kai Widdrington, left the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing during the first live vote off.
After finding herself in the bottom two with singer Matt Goss, the pair danced the Charleston to Music! Music! Music!.
But sadly it wasn’t enough to save her 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 did make mistakes, and when it comes to that high-pressured situation that’s what happens.
“So I am delighted for Matt and Nadiya, the only person I am just sorry for is this wonderful man (Widdrington), who has just been so brilliant…
“It was a hell of a lot of fun, I said my ambition was to learn to love to dance, and actually I have seen a whole new side to myself, it’s opened a little door.
“It’s been a wonderful experience and to spend time with such talented people who love the show so much has been a joy.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this autumn.