Angela Rippon, 76, reveals she can STILL do the splits 45 years after her high-kick routine

Angela Rippon has revealed she is still able to do the splits 45 years after first performing her iconic high-kick routine on the Morecambe and Wise show.

The broadcaster, 76, credited her continuing ‘suppleness’ to her healthy lifestyle and fitness plan as well as her need to be in shape for work, according to the Mirror.

Despite feeling the benefits of her work out regime, Angela admitted there are ‘some things’ she could do at 30 that he is unable to do now.

Angela said she follows the guidance of maintaining her body like a ‘well-oiled’ machine.

She said: ‘But it’s important to maintain what you can do for as long as possible – then no one can ask more of you.’

‘My job requires me to be physically fit,’ she said. ‘Sometimes I’m on my feet for up to 14 hours a day when filming – and there are early starts and late finishes too.’

Angela wowed viewers during her very performance in a ballroom dance sequence in the Morecambe and Wise Christmas special in 1976. 

Angela formerly rode horses competitively and now follows an eclectic fitness regime which includes pilates, cycling, walking and tennis.

She added: ‘I used to ride horses competitively and still do all sorts of things.

‘I go to Pilates, cycle, power walk and play tennis regularly. So staying fit has always been part of my lifestyle. I feel better when I’m active.’

Angela sent BBC viewers wild last year when she joined 90s icon Mr Motivator for an online work out at the beginning of the pandemic.

First airing in March, HealthCheck UK Live featured the fitness guru, 67, alongside Angela, in a bid to lift people’s spirits during the coronavirus crisis.

The episode got off to a flying start – with Mr Motivator encouraging all the presenters to join in with his workout, including Angela, who could be seen ‘bobbing along’ on Skype.