Latest news with #Arlene
Edinburgh Live
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Strictly Come Dancing legend's heartbreaking admission after being dropped from show
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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 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.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke is 'still' working on computer animation skills at the age of 99
Dick Van Dyke is "still" a computer animator at the age of 99. The Hollywood legend is best known for his roles in classics such as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang but also created the 3D-rendered effects used on Diagnosis: Murder when he starred in the medical crime drama, and his wife Arlene, 53, has confirmed that he keeps up with his hobby to this day. During a Q+A at a Vandy Camp event held at the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School, a fan pointed out that "not very many people know Dick Van Dyke was a computer animator" to the rest of the audience. Arlene replied: "Still is! And he has a credit for computer animation on Diagnosis: Murder!" The fan then asked Arlene - who married Dick in 2012 - what the Disney Legend had recalled to her about starring in the 1964 musical alongside Dame Julie Andrews. She said: "[Mary Poppins] such an important movie in the history of visual effects. He said it was really hot!" The former sitcom star was not able to attend the event in person due to ill health. Arlene told the audience: "I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I'm sorry. "When you're 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days ... and unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here.' The actor appeared on a livestream but Arlene added she was 'pretty confident' her husband would make the next event 'in person'. Speaking about how much Vandy Camp means to her husband, Arlene said: 'It is a celebration of your childhood, all of our childhoods, the music that's in the fabric of all of us, [and] Dick Van Dyke is a big part of that.' Calling her husband's fans 'the greatest human beings I've ever known," she added, "These Vandy Camp [events] are a wonderful opportunity to have you all in the same room and meet each other."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly star hits out at 'tough' axing after brutal way they found out
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has branded her exit from the BBC dance competition as 'tough' as she gave her opinion on the latest scandals Arlene Phillips has admitted she found her Strictly Come Dancing exit "tough," after being suddenly replaced without warning. The dancer and former judge, 82, saw her departure from the hit BBC competition spark an ageism row as Alesha Dixon, then 30, took her place. Despite having decades of experience as a dancer and choreographer, Arlene found out about the bosses' decision through the radio rather than being told directly. Controversy has continued to surround the dance competition over the years, with actress Amanda Abbington sparking a bullying row. She had accused her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, of bullying during their time together in 2023, which he denied. This year, the drama off stage continued once again as Wynne Evans was booted off the tour due to his behaviour. Arlene has since opened up on her own exit as well as the scandals that have followed. She told The Sunday Times: "I loved my time on Strictly and it was tough when I left, but I got up and carried on with life. "I wasn't there when accusations of bullying were made against some of the dancers, but I was quite strict when I started teaching." The dancer credits her children with learning how to communicate without losing her temper. "I realised there was a different way to talk to people when I had a child - I didn't want to lose my temper," she confessed. "There are ways to get people to do as you want without shouting." Last year, Arlene admitted she 'kicked, screamed and sobbed' when she found out she was getting the boot from her beloved show. She had joined Strictly in 2004, but after the show wrapped in 2008, Arlene found out she'd got the chop. Speaking out about the axe in a chat with the Mirror, the decorated Dame candidly admitted how she dealt with the news. She revealed: "I gave myself 48 hours to kick, scream, cry and sob, and eat scones with cream and jam, then I made myself wake up and get on with it." Arlene went on to admit she felt she didn't ask the right questions after finding out the news, having later had more time to reflect. She continued: "I was very fragile because I had a bereavement the day before [her manager died]. "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, it was rumoured that Arlene was axed because BBC thought she 'too old.' However, she claimed she still didn't know the reason why when she was dropped and replaced by Alesha, who had never critiqued a dance show - but was crowned Strictly champion. When reflecting on the abrupt end to her time on the show, Arlene exuded elegance, stating: "I'm a grown up so when life comes along and it doesn't go the way you want, you just get on with it." However, when quizzed about the possibility of rejoining the show, the former judge was unequivocally resolute, affirming: "They would never ask me so I would never think about it. It's not even an option."
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Mary Poppins' star Dick Van Dyke pulls out of fundraiser; ‘illness' cited as reason—find out what happened
99-year-old actor recently pulled out suddenly from a fundraising event, citing that he was suffering from some illness, worrying fans. As soon as the news spread, fans of the veteran actor started expressing their worry over the matter online. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dick Van Dyke pulls out of hosting event According to Express, Dick Van Dyke pulled out of a musical fundraising event that he and his wife were all set to host. On June 28, the star pulled out of the Vandy Camp event in Malibu that was being held at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater. During the event, his wife, Arlene, continued with the program as planned and even explained why the 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' actor could not be present at the event. She shared during the event that 'I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I'm sorry.' She also joked with the audience that she might not be the Van Dyke that the audience was expecting. She continued explaining during the event, citing that 'When you're 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days, and unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here.' She ended her speech by saying that she's sure that the actor will recover quickly and will join the next event 'in person' as well. Arlene thanks her husband for his support and love Arlene also went on about how her husband is also the reason that she can get on stage confidently. She delved into how, almost a year ago, this would've been impossible for her to do. On the other hand, in the past year, with the help of Van Dyke, she was able to push herself out of her comfort zone again and again.
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Iconic star, 99, sparks concern after dropping out of event last-minute due to i
Mary Poppins star Dick Van Dyke has sparked health concerns after he dropped out of a fundraising event at the last minute. The 99-year-old star of stage and screen was scheduled to appear at his musical fundraiser Vandy Camp on Saturday, along with wife and co-host Arlene Silver. Hosted by the pair, the event is described as a 'whimsical, vintage circus experience,' with a focus on community and togetherness. However, he was a no-show at this weekend's event, with Arlene, 53, taking to the stage in his absence to explain that he was not 'having a good day.' Appearing at the Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theatre at Malibu High school, Alrene joked that she was 'not the Van Dyke you're expecting.' She then broke the news to attendees that her husband wouldn't be joining them all, saying: 'I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today. I'm sorry.' As reported by People, Arlene revealed that her soon-to-be 100-year-old husband was suffering a 'bad day,' hence the no-show. 'When you're 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days…' she began. 'And unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here.' The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star did, however, make an appearance via livestream ahead of reassurances that he would attend the next Vandy Camp in person. Ahead of his 100th birthday this December, Dick opened up about the 'curse' of living to such an advanced age. Reflecting on his life and career in showbusiness, Dick explained that he was explained that he was set to team up with Ed Asher for a remake of beloved sitcom The Odd Couple. However, Ed died in 2021, at the age of 91, before they could begin work on the project. 'That would've been such fun, and we lost it. I've lost a lot of friends,' he said at a Vandy Camp event earlier this year. 'He's outlived everybody,' noted Arlene 'That's the curse of living to almost 100.' However, the Diagnosis Murder actor keeps a positive outlook on life, saying: 'Well, life's been good to me. I can't complain.' Speaking to People Magazine, he spoke of why he kept working, eight decades after he first made his showbusiness debut. 'I'm a ham,' he admitted. 'I love it. I get a jolt of energy from an audience.' Dick's gargantuan career has earned him four Emmys, a Tony for Bye Bye Birdy, and a Grammy award for his work on the Mary Poppins soundtrack with Julie Andrews. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Television Hall Of Fame in 1995. Only last year, he made history by becoming the oldest ever Daytime Emmy winner – taking home the gong for his guest spot on Days of Our Lives, aged 98. More Trending For a brief run of episodes, he played amnesiac Timothy Robicheaux – agreeing to appear on the long-running American soap opera after a friend suggested he should take part. 'I said great and it snowballed into this,' the star quipped at the award ceremony, while performing a jig with his newly acquired hardware. 'I'm 98 years old. Can you believe it?' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: John Travolta reprises iconic Grease role 46 years after the original MORE: Who's who at Jeff Bezos's $10,000,000 wedding as A-list guests 'descend on Venice' MORE: Justin Bieber changes his name in bizarre move on Instagram
