BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Sarah Hadland begs for one change as she's 'commented on'

Miranda star Sarah Hadland has expressed her desire for age not to be a focal point as she competes in Strictly Come Dancing. The 53 year old British actress, who's been twirling across the dance floor with 2023 champion Vito Coppola on this year's BBC One series, has consistently scored highly with the judges.

Speaking to The Times, Hadland remarked: "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."

She also reflected positively on the influence her participation may have, saying, "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."

Read more: Strictly 2024 star on how show has changed her

She talked about age-related perceptions and her attitude towards exercise, asserting, "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."

Moreover, Hadland shared insights from her first marathon experience in her 30s and her shift in perspective towards exercising: "It was a similar thing - I wondered if I could do it and a lot of people said 'no, no', but in the end that galvanised me.", reports the Mirror.

Delving into her personal reasons for staying active, she revealed, "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."

Hadland is best known for her role as Stevie Sutton in the BBC sitcom Miranda, alongside Miranda Hart.

Comedian and actress Miranda Hart, aged 51, who recently opened up about her struggle with Lyme disease, made a surprise visit to Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola's rehearsals, as seen in a clip aired on last weekend's show. Disguised as a "choreographer" complete with a black turtleneck and clutching a small dog, she delighted the dancing duo.

This Saturday, Hadland and Coppola are set to dance the American Smooth to Heather Small's 'Proud', a track famously associated with Hadland's character Stevie from the sitcom 'Miranda'.