Joan Collins has revealed that a celebrity friend advised her against participating in Strictly Come Dancing, warning that anyone over 40 risks getting seriously hurt. The Hollywood legend, renowned for portraying Alexis Colby in the American soap favourite Dynasty, has graced the silver screen since the 1950s, featuring in productions ranging from historical epics to The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas.
Despite her diverse portfolio, one performance seems permanently ruled out. Joan disclosed she was invited to take a spin on the Strictly dance floor a decade ago but was advised against it. Actor George Hamilton, known for Crime and Punishment U.S.A., took part in the US version of the show, Dancing with the Stars, in 2006. Joan says he warned her that participants must be contortionists.
Joan's Strictly Come Dancing Revelation
When questioned about potentially appearing on the show, the 93-year-old told the Mail's Weekend magazine: "No! I was asked ten years ago. My friend George Hamilton did it in America. He said whatever you do, don't do it – you have to be a contortionist!"
She added: "Nobody over 40 should do it because if you fall and you break something, you're screwed! But I love watching it! My daughter Katy and I watch it every single week."
Joan also expressed interest in a different role: "I tell you what I would like to have been in – Downton Abbey! I'd like to have played the mother of Lady Grantham, who's married to Hugh Bonneville's character."
Joan's Age-Defying Appearance and Skincare Secrets
In other developments, Joan recently wowed fans with her age-defying looks when she attended last month's Summer Evening Gala alongside husband Percy Gibson, an event hosted by Shooting Star Children's Hospices at The Ivy Chelsea Garden. She sported a white satin tuxedo-style jacket adorned with a rose pinned to the lapel.
Speaking previously to Hello! magazine about her appearance, Joan said: "I don't believe in needles and things. I've never had Botox or anything in my face." She added: "I'd never dream of doing something like that. I have seen too many disastrous faces. I think if you're going to lose weight, you have to cut down. You want to enjoy your life. You don't want to live on a celery stick."
Return to the Silver Screen
Joan made her return to the silver screen earlier this year in A Murder Between Friends. In the production, she portrays detective Francesca Carlyle, a character she compared to her Dynasty role. Speaking to Saga Magazine on the red carpet, Joan said: "I was given a detective set when I was a child, with handcuffs and magnifying glasses. The character I play, Francesca Carlyle, is also an actress who became famous by solving crimes on TV. And she's very similar to Alexis, who I played in Dynasty – I chose all the clothes she wears."
