Arlene Phillips, 82, makes feelings clear on BBC Strictly stint as she reveals shocking way she found out about her exit
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has revealed she discovered her departure from the BBC show through the radio, describing the 2009 exit as “tough”.
The choreographer, now 82, was replaced without explanation despite her decades of experience in dance.
“I loved my time on Strictly and it was tough when I left, but I got up and carried on with life,” Phillips told The Sunday Times.
Speaking to The Mirror last year, she admitted she “kicked, screamed and sobbed” upon learning the news, allowing herself 48 hours to process before moving forward with her career.
Phillips was replaced by then 30-year-old Alesha Dixon in 2009, with the BBC subsequently facing accusations of ageism.
The broadcaster approached her through indirect channels rather than directly, a decision that left the veteran choreographer without answers.
“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,” she told The Mirror.
Phillips claims the BBC has never provided an explanation for her removal from the show.
Reflecting on her teaching style, she acknowledged: “I was quite strict when I started teaching.”
MORE LIKE THIS:
Dame Arlene Phillips, 81, ‘devastated’ as former BBC Strictly star makes statement on dementia updateCraig Revel Horwood issues brutal verdict on fellow judges while reflecting on BBC Strictly: ‘I created it!’Craig Revel Horwood issued cheeky dig by former BBC Strictly judge amid ‘underscoring’ row
Phillips addressed the recent controversies surrounding the show, including the 2023 bullying allegations made by Amanda Abbington against her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
“I wasn’t there when accusations of bullying were made against some of the dancers,” Phillips said.
The BBC’s six-month investigation upheld some claims of verbal bullying and harassment against Pernice, though not physical abuse allegations.
Out of 17 complaints from Abbington, six were upheld, including instances of belittling language and swearing.
The report also found two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace” which were deemed consensual between both parties.
Pernice has denied being a bully, telling ITV’s Lorraine: “Bully is a big word and there’s a difference between being a bully and caring about what you do.”
Phillips revealed that becoming a mother fundamentally changed her approach to communication and teaching. She had children at ages 18 and 47, experiences that taught her valuable lessons about effective leadership.
“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 said. “There are ways to get people to do as you want without shouting.”
The choreographer, who most recently worked on Guys and Dolls, credits her offspring with helping her develop more constructive communication methods.
She noted that the best advice she has received is to “think carefully about what you say and do to others.”