BBC Strictly Come Dancing legend's heartbreaking admission after being dropped from show
Strictly Come Dancing icon Dame Arlene Phillips made a heartbreaking admission after being dropped from the hit BBC show. Arlene, 82, was cut from the show ahead of the 2009 series.
Her departure ignited a debate on ageism as she was replaced by the much younger Alesha Dixon, who was 30 at the time. Despite her extensive experience in dance and choreography, Arlene learned of her axing via the radio, reports The Mirror.
She recounted the moment as her "biggest disappointment". In an interview with The Sunday Times, she explained: "I loved my time on Strictly and it was tough when I left, but I got up and carried on with life."
Arlene also disclosed that she "kicked, screamed and sobbed" upon learning she would no longer be part of the show she had served since 2004.
At the time, it was rumoured that Arlene had been dropped from the show for being "too old". Particularly as her replacement, Alesha, had no experience judging a dancing show, but had previously lifted the Glitterball Trophy.
(Image: BBC)
And Arlene says she wishes she had "asked the right questions" after BBC bosses made the decisions. She said: "I was very fragile because I had a bereavement the day before [her manager died].
She lamented not getting clear answers and being strung along with the prospect of an expanded judging panel: "I wanted to know in detail and I wanted to know the real reason at the point when they decided for me to go, yet they kept me hanging on for so long with the possibility that there would be five judges."
At the time, BBC One boss Jay Hunt refuted claims that Arlene's age played a part in her departure from the show. He remarked: "We wanted to refresh the format, it's about ensuring the show remains as compelling for viewers as it always has been. It was not an easy decision.
"We looked at the panel - Bruno is the joker, Craig is the Simon Cowell, Len is the head judge. It was obvious she was the one to change."
(Image: Ian West/PA Photos)
He further commented: "Strictly is an entertainment show. As a former champion, Alesha knows exactly what it takes to win. Her eye for great performance and her charisma and charm make Alesha a great addition to the panel."
Alesha Dixon stayed with the show for three series before she announced she would be leaving. She then became a judge on Britain's Got Talent.
In a poignant revelation to The Guardian's Cutting magazine, Arlene disclosed the most important lesson life has taught her: "Life is never fair."
Post-Strictly, Arlene led the BBC's So You Think You Can Dance?, a Pop Idol-style contest, and appeared on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. In 2022, she served as a guest judge on Dancing on Ice and last October, she took on the role of executive producer for Toys the Musical.
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