Strictly Come Dancing celebrities including Angela Rippon and Alex Kingston led a dance class for MPs in Parliament’s Portcullis House on Wednesday. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle joined Rippon on the dance floor after welcoming the BBC stars to promote the health benefits of dance.
More than 40 MPs stepped and twirled under the glass atrium, guided by choreographer Kai Widdrington. Among the participants were Green Party MP Hannah Spencer, shadow culture secretary Nigel Huddleston, Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, and Labour’s Kim Leadbeater. Former Strictly contestant Kingston, professional dancers Flavia Cacace and Neil Jones, and ex-judge Dame Arlene Phillips also took part.
Before the class, Rippon, 81, said dance could help cure medical conditions, tackle obesity and mental health crises, and support older people. She urged politicians to encourage exercise in their constituencies and promote social prescribing to reduce NHS costs. Her Let’s Dance initiative was inspired by her 2023 Strictly appearance.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting backed the campaign, highlighting its positive impact on health and wellbeing and its potential to reduce serious illness risks. However, the event drew criticism. Former Labour MP Zarah Sultana called it inappropriate given global tensions, while Reform UK’s Nadhim Zahawi said it was a bad look for Parliament amid Middle East conflicts.
