Middlesbrough mum and autism champion, Anna Kennedy, said the experience of being on Strictly Come Dancing was better than getting her OBE.
The leading campaigner, who set up the UK’s largest school for youngsters with autism, was left jumping up and down in excitement on tonight’s programme when she scored a perfect 40 on a Comic Relief version of the hit show.
“I have had the best time,” the 54-year-old told presenter Claudia Winkleman.
“I just love Strictly. Someone asked me what was the best thing, getting my OBE or dancing Strictly? I said Strictly - sorry Your Majesty!”
Anna and her partner, professional British dancer Robin Windsor, performed the Charleston on the BBC One show.
And the pair impressed - receiving glowing reports from the four notoriously hard to please judges.
Bruno Tonioli said: “My darling, you make me tingle all over.
“That was electrifying.”
Anton Du Beke added it was “just brilliant.”
“That was everything you would want in a Charleston.
“It was perfect and I loved every second of it.”
Ballerina Darcey Bussell also enjoyed the dance.
She said: “You such a natural performer and a natural dancer.
“Please tell me you will make time for yourself and do any dance classes you can.
“You are so brilliant to watch.”
Anna, who has two sons, Patrick, 25, who has Asperger’s Syndrome and Angelo, 21, with autism, became teary eyed during the show when she told of how much fun she was having - something she admitted she finds hard to do.
“This experience for me is like an explosion of sparkle that has gone off in my head,” she said.
The former Newlands School and Kirby College pupil, who grew up in the Longlands area, added that her perfect score was the “cherry on the top.”
Anna was chosen as one of six “inspirational but everyday heroes”, from more than 11,000 nominees, to take part in BBC One’s The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief, also presented by Tess Daly.
And despite her perfect store, which saw her become joint leaders on the scoreboard, Anna will have to wait to find out if she will become the champion.
This Friday, which is Red Nose Day, the winner of the special show will be announced during BBC One’s Comic Relief show.
No comments:
Post a Comment