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ANNEKA Rice suffered a devastating fall that threatened her future on Strictly Come Dancing, it has been revealed.

The TV presenter, 60, told The Sun Online she has been in physio for the past six weeks trying to get fully fit in time for the show.

 Anneka Rice is one of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2019
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Anneka Rice is one of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing 2019Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Her bad shoulder was caused by a freak accident as she slipped down a hill during a walk.

As the oldest contestant in the series, it has set her back in training as she gets ready to compete alongside 14 celebrity dancers.

She told us on the show’s launch night at London’s Television Centre: “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.

 The 60-year-old made her debut on the Strictly stage tonight
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The 60-year-old made her debut on the Strictly stage tonightCredit: PA

“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 is best known as the host of Channel 4's Treasure Hunt in 1982.

She has featured in a number of reality shows before trying her hand at Strictly, including Celebrity Mastermind, Hell's Kitchen, Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Hunted.

 The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2019
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The cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2019Credit: Getty - Contributor

But Anneka admits being completely out of her comfort zone by learning a new skill at 60 years old.

"I feel so awkward about dancing," she told us.

"No one in my family has ever seen me dance and I've never done any classes or anything like that.

"I don't know why, but I thought this was the year to learn."

Anneka says she's feeling "reckless" at 60 - and is saying 'yes' to every opportunity that comes her way.

 Anneka has been training hard despite her injury
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Anneka has been training hard despite her injuryCredit: Getty - Contributor

She added: "I've been asked to the show before but I've always said no straight away.

"I've always promised my children I'd never do anything to embarrass them while they were at school, but my last son is now out of university so I've just got a little window before I have grandchildren, so I thought 'what the hell'.

"If I can't get one of these lovely professionals to teach me how to dance, then nothing will."

 Kylie Monogue performed at the Strictly launch party
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Kylie Monogue performed at the Strictly launch partyCredit: PA
 Dancers including Anton Du Beke keep Spinning Around as Kylie shows her flair in a tasselled dress at the show's launch
Dancers including Anton Du Beke keep Spinning Around as Kylie shows her flair in a tasselled dress at the show's launchCredit: Splash News


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