Angela Rippon goes dancing with Father Brown

The former Come Dancing hosts makes a guest appearance…

Father Brown takes the lead when a television dancing contest turns deadly in this week’s episode, The Lord of the Dance.

Brenda (Ruby-May Martinwood) is excited to perform in the famous television competition Go Dancing!, as the partner of talented but arrogant Frederick Thorncastle (John McCrea). In rehearsals tensions are high, with catty competitors Colin Byers (Christopher Jeffers) and his wife Melody (Laura Pigott) making it clear newcomer Brenda isn’t welcome.

August Bestwick (David Westhead), The Dancing Duchess (Angela Rippon), Father Brown (Mark Williams) and John McCrea as Frederick Thorncastle in The Lord of the Dance

Angela Rippon as Go Dancing! host The Dancing Duchess

Harried producer August Bestwick (David Westhead) attempts to keep everything on track, but during a hold, affable dancer Ron White (Dan Partridge) slips, dropping his partner Jane (Lisa Spencer) who is badly injured.

Ron angrily accuses Frederick of sabotage but rehearsals continue, with Father Brown (Mark Williams) and Mrs Devine (Claudie Blakley) watching from the wings. Suddenly a spotlight falls, with Frederick saved in the nick of time by Brenda.

A killer clearly has their sights set on Frederick. Can Father Brown stop them, or will there be murder on the dancefloor? Angela Rippon appears as Go Dancing! host The Dancing Duchess.

Angela Rippon hosts Come Dancing in 1989 for BBC One

Back in the ballroom, as a celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023

Angela, who hosted Come Dancing from 1988 to 1991 also took part in the celebrity version Strictly Come Dancing in 2023. The original ballroom dance series launched in 1950 and ran until 1998. The current format launched in 2004.

Father Brown, Friday, February 14th, BBC One at 2 pm