Angela Rippon, 80, marks touching milestone with relative, 90, amid family member’s ‘tough’ cancer battle
Angela Rippon has shared a touching tribute to her cousin John, 90, after a tumultuous year for her “extended family”.
While the 80-year-old normally only shares work commitments over social media, she posted a picture of herself and two relatives on Monday.
The picture featured a beaming Rippon with her cousin John and his brother as the trio embraced.
“Happy 90th birthday to my cousin John Rippon. He’s had a tough year battling cancer,” she wrote alongside the post.
“It was really special to be able to celebrate with him and brother Peter at a gathering of the Rippon clan. Love you guys,” she added touchingly.
The post was a rare insight into Rippon’s life outside of showbiz and fans took the opportunity to wish the Rip Off Britain star well.
“What a lovely photo and what good genes the Rippon gang have. Happy Birthday Cousin John enjoy celebrating,” one wished.
Another glowed: “You’re a strong clan.”
“Happy birthday John, have a great 90th,” a third said, joining scores of others in simply sharing their touching birthday wishes to John.
The post is the most intimate insight into Rippon’s life behind the scenes since she shared the latest addition to her “extended family” last summer.
The broadcasting legend shared three pictures of herself with a young baby to her Instagram.
She captioned the post: “Meet Olive. The latest and most beautiful addition to my extended family. She has the sunniest smile that lights up the most dismal of days.”
When asked about the identity of the baby’s parents, Rippon revealed that: “She is the daughter of two of my dearest friends. I shall be teaching her to call me Aunty Ange as soon as we get past the gurgling stage. AR!”
The 80-year-old’s newest update arrived soon after speaking to GB News about her iconic run on the 2023 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Rippon was the oldest contestant in history to grace the ballroom floor, having previously hosted the original Come Dancing series in 1988.
The TV presenter, partnered with Kai Widdrington, went on to finish seventh place on the show and was eliminated during the show’s iconic Blackpool week.
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Reflecting on her experience a year later, she told GB News: “I had a ball, I loved every minute of it, of course I did.”
She also revealed her partnership with Widdrington had blossomed into a long-term friendship.
“In Kai Widdrington, I had a fabulous, fabulous partner… He and I have become great, great mates and still work on projects together,” she glowed.
Three days before her family update, Rippon posted a selfie of her and Widdrington as they “caught up” ahead of Strictly’s 2025 live tour.