Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips makes savage dig at current judges

10 October 2023 , 08:50

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Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips says she skips the judges' comments

Arlene Phillips has confessed to skipping parts of Strictly when watching the show at home.

The veteran of over 50 years in showbiz and former Strictly Come Dancing star, has admitted she skips the judges' comments on the BBC show. Despite still tuning in every Saturday, she says she prefers the performances over the judges' feedback. Arlene, who was controversially let go from the show in 2009, maintains good relationships with her former co-stars. She was part of the original lineup but was dropped amid rumours the BBC felt she was too old and was replaced by Alesha Dixon, 35 years her junior.

Arlene has said she still catches up with Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli when she can. She has found Anton Du Beke a "great addition" to the judging panel, as he was "made to be a judge". Yet despite her fondness of the Strictly judges, Arlene has admitted she doesn't like to hear them chat.

Arlene was part of the original judging panel (Popperfoto via Getty Images)

In an interview with OK, she stated, "The one thing about Strictly that I don't really enjoy any more is the segment with the judges' comment," adding, "I think they go on far too long. I usually just fast-forward those bits." Reflecting on her time on Strictly, Arlene sees her early exit as a blessing in disguise, allowing her more quality time with her family.

The choreographer believes that the show today is more about who the public falls in love with. She admits feeling somewhat relieved not to be a constant presence on our TV screens anymore as she's unsure if she could handle hateful comments from strangers. Regarding who she's supporting for the Glitterball Trophy this year, she remains undecided as she loves all the contestants attitude.

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Last year, Arlene recalled the moment she was told she'd lost her Strictly job and how she still hasn't been given an explanation. “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,” she told The Mirror. “I reflect and think, ‘Wow, I really didn’t ask the questions I needed to ask.’ 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.”

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Mia O'Hare