MX23RW : Friday, November 8 15:11:29| >> :600:141938894:141938894:

Arlene Phillips launches own investigation into Strictly axe 12 years ago

Arlene Phillips launches her own investigation into her axe from Strictly Come Dancing 12 years ago using the Freedom of Information Act.

Arlene Phillips has begun her own investigation into the circumstances surrounding her departure from Strictly Come Dancing, 12 years after she last appeared on the show.

The choreographer, now 76, was a judge on the first six series of the ballroom contest between 2004 and 2008, but in 2009 was replaced by former contestant Alesha Dixon.

At the time the BBC was accused of ageism for its decision to remove Phillips - allegations it strenuously denied - and now she is using the Freedom of Information Act to get to the bottom of what happened.

"I've got the Freedom of Information and looking at the chaotic way that led up to it was shocking. Most is redacted," Phillips told an episode of Sod's Law Podcast.

"There's some information there and even that's chaotic, let alone what was redacted from the report.

"Nowadays, they could have given me the chance to resign or build a story around it. I didn't have a contract that automatically rolled on to the next year, but I think it was handled so poorly. You then never forget those moments of turmoil."

After leaving Strictly, Phillips went on to become a judge on the UK version of So You Think You Can Dance? and has also embarked upon a spoken word tour.

ID:399028: cacheID:399028:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2066:

Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole Black Friday Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £19 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends December 3, 2024

Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gary Neville
Read Next:
Neville judges dancing competition
>
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Thursday, November 7


The Day of the Jackal: Sky On-demand/NOW, from 2am
First five episodes of a new drama thriller starring Eddie Redmayne as an elite assassin

Married at First Sight UK: E4, 9pm
The boys and girls go on separate nights out, joined by some faces from earlier in the experiment

EastEnders: iPlayer, from 6am and BBC One, 7.30pm
So what's happened to Bianca then?

RuPaul's Drag Race UK: BBC Three, 9pm
Beverley Knight is this week's guest judge as the remaining queens for the annual Rusical week