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Privacy NoticeA former Strictly Come Dancing judge became the latest star to speak out against the show, saying she still has not forgiven the BBC for axing her from the role. Renowned choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips was a judge on the show from 2004-2008 but lost her seat to Britain’s Got Talent’s Alesha Dixon. Alesha, who was 30 at the time, was significantly younger than Arelene, who is now 81. This sudden change sparked an ageism debate that is ongoing for some. Arlene was quoted discussing the event, saying that it is: “accepted but not forgiven.” She added: “Yes, I have moved on. I suppose it is something to rejoice, and I can always remind myself, I was there at the pilot, when nobody ever thought this show was going to be a show. And to be the first female judge, there’s a lot of accolades I could give myself.”
Dame Arlene on Strictly in 2008
(Image: BBC)
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She also pushed back on general critiques of harsh training on the show and in the dance world. This comes as allegations against Strictly professional Giovanni Pernice’s intense training methods remain in the air. Giovanni was criticised earlier this year for having harsh and strict training routines. Giovanni was accused of leaving his partners in tears, and some have even come forward to say they have proof of injuries sustained while training with him. Giovanni has refuted all of the allegations against him. Arlene did not speak directly about the Giovanni controversy, but she spoke broadly about understanding why dancers are so intense, as the dance world that she grew up in was very difficult, mean, and competitive.
Dame Arlene Phillips attends the press night performance of “Rehab The Musical”
(Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
She said: “Dance is tough. Dance is very tough, and learning is tough. But in terms of teaching, we have progressed from the teaching that I suffered when I was young. Teachers with canes. “Your ballet teacher had a cane and they weren’t afraid of using it, or shouting or screaming, or whatever it may be, the way you learnt to dance was, You have to devote your life to this. And teachers were the rulers of your life because they were the ones that held the key to making you a dancer.”
Dame Arlene is working with Andrew Lloyd Webber on a re-staging of Starlight Express
(Image: 2018 NBCUniversal Media, LLC/Getty)
Arlene is back in the spotlight as she is the “creative dramaturg” of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express, which is returning to London at the specially designed Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park. She has spoken excitedly about the project, saying it’s a show that has so many musical genres and ideas, and Andrew Lloyed Webber has found a way to bring it to life again.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnArlene PhillipsGiovanni PerniceAlesha DixonStrictly Come Dancing
