BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland makes plea to viewers to 'stop' addressing one thing

Sarah Hadland has pleaded with Strictly Come Dancing fans to stop addressing one particular thing during her time on the BBC dance contest.

The actress, 53, who is best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in the BBC's Miranda, is currently taking to the dancefloor alongside professional dancer and 2023 champion Vito Coppola.

Having consistently scored high with the judges week on week, this Saturday (November 9) Sarah will be hoping to impress judges once again with an American Smooth to Proud by Heather Small, a nod to her character in the popular BBC sitcom.

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But ahead of her performance, the Miranda star has expressed her desire to not have her age focused on, as something she says is frequently commented on.

Speaking to The Times, Sarah said: "I'd love for my age not to be commented on, for it to be accepted that women are amazing and don't need to be limited, when men seem to be allowed to do things without any comment.

"But if women watch and go, 'Wow, I'm in my 50s, I could do that too,' then that's absolutely brilliant. Rather than go on about it, I'd rather just show what I can do. We need to change this narrative of women having a shelf life."

The actress also shared her views on fitness and visibility for women her age, saying: "I know loads my age who are really fit and active, they don't drop off the ends of the Earth. We just need to be more visible."

Reflecting on her first marathon run in her 30s, she said it was a challenge that many doubted she could achieve, but ultimately it spurred her on. Regarding her approach to exercise, she stated: "When I was young I exercised because I wanted to be thin and that's an appalling goal. Now I exercise because I want to be strong and capable, I want my child to see me fit and healthy and because it helps my mental health."

Sarah's fellow co-star Miranda Hart, 51, made a surprise appearance in last weekend's show, dazzling the audience with a visit to Hadland and Coppola during their rehearsals.

Revealing her ongoing struggle with Lyme disease, Miranda showed up in the guise of a "choreographer", donning a black turtleneck and clutching a petite dog.