Anneka Rice says shoulder injury is 'holding me back' in 'Strictly' training

Albertina Lloyd
·Contributor
Updated
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Anneka Rice attends the Roundhouse Gala, an evening raising money for the venue's charitable work with young people, at The Roundhouse on March 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for The Roundhouse)
Anneka Rice is already struggling in dance rehearsals for Strictly (Credit: Getty Images for The Roundhouse)

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Anneka Rice has revealed she is already struggling in rehearsals after injuring her shoulder in a fall.

The Challenge Anneka presenter is the oldest participant in the BBC show this year at 60 and admitted the problems with her shoulder are holding her back in training for the launch show on Saturday September 7th.

Rice told The Sun newspaper: “I had quite a bad accident and hurt my shoulder.

“I fell badly on a very wet grassy slope. I have been in physio for that so haven’t done what I needed to do.

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“It’s getting better but it’s meant I haven’t been able to do the 'all singing, all dancing'.

“It’s slightly holding me back.

“I told the Strictly bosses ‘You do realise I won’t be able to do one of these steps.’"

Anneka Rice (left) and Karim Zeroual arriving at the red carpet launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2019, held at BBC TV Centre in London, UK.
Anneka Rice (left) and Karim Zeroual arriving at the red carpet launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2019 (Credit: PA)

The Treasure Hunt star revealed she took a tumble on a walk earlier in the year and the injury was so bad that despite ongoing physiotherapy treatment she has still not yet fully recovered.

Rice rose to fame running around in tight jumpsuits on 80s game shows Challenge Anneka and Treasure Hunt, and in 2017 took part in Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer. While she is well known for being fit and athletic, she claims to be uncoordinated and said, “I can’t see myself in a long frilly dress.”

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Rice has admitted she is not a natural dancer and none of her friends or family have ever seen her take to the floor.

She said: “I haven’t danced since I was seven and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated. My family and friends haven’t seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it’s going to be a challenge for my partner.”

The celebrity contestants for this year’s show - who include James Cracknell, Michelle Visage and Vicountess Emma Weymouth - are all currently in training for the group dance ahead of the launch show next Saturday, when they will be officially paired with their professional dance partners.