Strictly in it TO WIN IT

Fifty-somethings are stepping up for a tilt at the BBC dance programme title, says Ann Wallace

A FTER years of twinkle-toed twentysomethings and waltzing whippersnappers taking the title on Strictly Come Dancing, could 2013 finally be the year of the quinquagenarian? Six of the 15 celebrities taking part are over 50, or will hit 50 during the run of the show, compared to just three last year.

Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden, radio presenter Vanessa Feltz, actress Fiona Fullerton, Hairy Biker Dave Myers and golfer Tony Jacklin are all 50 plus, while Casualty star Patrick Robinson turns 50 in November.

It is probably fair to say the men – with the exception of Robinson, whose jive was described by the judges as a ‘powerhouseof energy’ – will not be mounting any serious challenge for the glitterball trophy.

Jacklin’s waltz elicited acidtongued Craig Revel Horwood’s first ‘dance disaster’ of the series and Myers’ hilarious cha-cha-cha was described as ‘terrifying’ by Revel Horwood and reduced fellow judge Darcey Bussell to tears of laughter.

Even poor Feltz, who seemed to get everything right in her cha cha with James Jordan yet still received some harsh words, will have to raise her game considerably if she wantsto winthecompetition. In fact, Jacklin is the bookies’ favourite to be voted off first, with Feltz and Myers in hot pursuit.

But Deborah Meaden and Fiona Fullerton have to be considered contenders, surely? Both scored an extremely respectable 24 points on the opening live shows.

Co-host Tess Daly tipped Fuller- ton as ‘one to watch’ in an interview and former Strictly professional dancer and It Takes Two choreography expert Karen Hardy told Zoe Ball that she was “secretly excited” about the actress’s prospects.

“This lady can dance,” she said, approvingly. “I think Anton will have to keep up with Fiona.”

Fullerton has been a Strictly fan for a decade, so she is delighted about joining the show – but is modest about her chances. “It’s lovely people think of me as a contender but, oh my goodness, I don’t think so,” she laughed. “If I can’t overcome my nerves, and if I have another meltdown like I did last week when I forgot all my steps, I will have no chance.”

She added: “But I am the oldest female on the show, at 56, and I’m quite proud of that. I’ve never been proud of being old before.”

The former Bond girl, who starred as KGB temptress Pola Ivanova in 1985’s A View to a Kill with Roger Moore, dreamt of becoming a ballet dancer when she was little. She became well known in a series of high-profile film and television roles, including hit 1970s hospital drama Angels and The Charmer with Nigel Havers in the 1980s, before turning her back on the limelight to bring her up her daughter in the Cotswolds.

“Being here on Strictly reminds me of a different era, when I was an actress,” she smiled. “I left the business when my daughter, Lucy, was born and it feels incredibly strange and surreal to be sitting in a make-up chair again. It feels like I have been transported back to the 1980s.”

Fullerton’s feisty debut tango was praised by the judges. “It’s lovely to see Anton actually dancing this series,” deadpanned Revel Horwood, while Du Beke said he “might even be dancing in December”, a reference to his previous early exits from the show.

“It would be lovely to think I was a role model for women in their 50s,” she said. “Women have been told for so long that once you hit 40, it’s all over and it’s such nonsense. Life gets better as you get older – things cease to bother you as much, you confidence grows – it’s wonderful. I’m a lot happier in my50s than I was in my 30s – I was an emotional wreck back then.”

And she admits the training schedule – she practises seven hours a day – is taking its toll.

“I don’t keep fit, usually – I’m not one of those people who goes to the gymall the time, so yes, I am feeling it,” she groans. “But it’s fantastic – here I am at 56, and I’m finally getting fit at last.”

Deborah Meaden, 54, also won praise from the judges for her “attack” in the tango, dancing with Robin Windsor.

“I loved it,” she beamed afterwards. “But I was more terrified than I have ever been in my whole life. I was thinking about running away.”

Her partner said: “I’d always thought of Deborah as this ice queen from Dragons’ Den but she is absolutely wonderful – everyone has fallen in love with her.”

He added: “She is where she is today, in her personal life and her career, because of how much hard workandenthusiasmsheputsinto things and she brings that to the