Why Strictly Come Dancing is an Inspiration for Women Over 40

The clocks have changed, the night's are drawing in and the temperatures are plummeting... except on the BBC1 dance floor of course.  Yes, another season of Strictly is well under way here in the UK and apart from the usual glitter, sparkle and ever deepening tans, the thing that has struck me most this year are the ages of the female celebrities.  Eight brave women have signed up to be twirled, waltzed and thrown around the dance floor this year and out of that eight, five are over 40 - which is pretty impressive really.  In fact two of them (Ruth Langsford and Debbie McGee) are over 50.   

Okay, so the professional female dancers are still predominantly in their 20's but it is such a refreshing change to see these older celebrity women out there proving that over 40 is still sexy, still fun and can most definitely still move on the dance floor.  If you're not convinced then this Charlston by Debbie and her partner Giovanni will absolutely change your mind...

Add to this the fact that both female presenters (Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman) are over 45, and that both female judges (Darcy Bussell and Shirley Ballas) are well over 40, in fact Shirley is 57 - and this year's Strictly is lining up to be the programme proving that women over 40 absolutely have a place in TV (despite what some may say).

Personally, I'm rather in awe of Debbie McGee and her vitality and moves, so am hoping she takes the title this year.  At 59 that would be a pretty good endorsement of the fact that how you age really is up to you!