Ann Widdecombe shares anger of Strictly Come Dancing controversy

One of Strictly Come Dancing ‘s most iconic former contestants has spoken out about claims that the reality show is not a ‘level playing field.’ Ann Widdecombe who appeared on the 2010 series, where she was partnered with Anton du Beke , revealed her anger about this assumption when speaking on GB News. The former politician announced: ‘I’m very angry about this. The whole point of it is that you didn’t start on an even keel.’ This year’s batch of contestants vary in ages from 20-years-old to 79 with EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier being the youngest and television presenter and former newsreader Angela Rippon becoming the oldest star ever to sign up for the show. Ann added: ‘If you have everybody starting evenly, then you wouldn’t have pensioners, which I was when I showed up. Ann appeared in the 2010 series of the hit BBC show (Image: BBC) “If everyone was to start with the same dance experience you wouldn’t have a mix of different ages, it just would be unheard of.’ She continued: ‘It’s supposed to be family entertainment, and the joy of it is that you have got this range of dancers, and some will be utterly useless. Some will be useless but funny, which is what I was.’ Ann was the ninth celebrity to be eliminated on her series and will be remembered for many iconic dance routines with partner Anton. She also commented on being ‘tone deaf in the literal sense,’ which caused her to stray off beat when dancing. Viewers will need to tune in to see if this previous dance experience comes in handy (Image: BBC) It has already been revealed that several of this year’s celebrities have prior dance experience. Television presenter Angela Scanlon danced with the O’Shea Irish Dance Company, performing all over the world with the group. However, Angela has never done any Latin or ballroom dances before. Coronation Street actress Ellie Leach explained her previous dance experience when she was revealed as the latest celebrity to join the hit BBC show on BBC Breakfast. She revealed: ‘I used to dance a little bit when I was younger, but it was tap, ballet, modern street dance.’ Actor Layton Williams’ first West End role was in Billy Elliott – the story of a young boy dreaming of becoming a ballet dancer. He also attended a prestigious stage school. While Nigel Harman has also appeared in a number of stage productions as well. Many may remember Angela Rippon’s dance routine on The Morecambe & Wise Show (Image: BBC) Others may remember Angela Rippon doing a dance routine many years ago on The Morecambe & Wise Show’s Christmas special. She also hosted Come Dancing, the forerunner to Strictly, for three years. Viewers won’t have too long to wait to see whether or not this previous dance experience has any real effect on the scores, as Strictly Come Dancing will be back on screens this autumn. Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One this autumn.