July 6th 2024.
A former judge from the popular show Strictly Come Dancing has recently expressed her disappointment towards the BBC. Dame Arlene Phillips, a legendary choreographer who joined the show in its first season, has finally come to terms with being replaced on the judging panel in 2009. However, she has not yet forgiven the network for their decision.
At the time, the 81-year-old was the only judge to not have her contract renewed, with her role being filled by Alesha Dixon. This caused quite a stir among viewers and even reached Parliament, with discussions of ageism and discrimination against older women. Although the BBC denied these claims, the controversy surrounding Phillips' dismissal was undeniable.
Despite having moved on, Phillips still feels a sense of disappointment and hurt towards the situation. She reflects on the fact that she was there from the very beginning of the show, and was the first female judge. She takes pride in her achievements on the show and wishes she had been given a proper explanation for her departure.
The BBC has never apologized or given an explanation to Phillips, leaving her feeling undervalued and not good enough. In fact, she was not even given the choice to leave on her own terms. Instead, she was simply told that she would not be returning for the next season.
However, Phillips has not let this setback stop her from pursuing her passion for dance. She has since been a judge on other dance shows and even appeared as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2021. She remains on good terms with her former colleagues on Strictly Come Dancing, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, who she considers close friends.
Currently, Phillips is working on Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express as the creative dramaturg. She praises the composer for his ability to continuously bring new ideas to the musical, which has been seen by 20 million people worldwide.
Phillips' story serves as a reminder that sometimes, things don't always go as planned, but it's important to keep moving forward and find new opportunities. As she continues to thrive in her career, she hopes for a better future for older women in the entertainment industry.
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