Arlene Phillips makes ‘tough' Strictly Come Dancing admission as she addresses scandal
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Dame Arlene Phillips has opened up about how motherhood at 47 and her tenure on Strictly Come Dancing reshaped her approach to communication and teaching dance.
The respected choreographer and former Strictly judge, now aged 82 with two daughters and two granddaughters, has spoken candidly of her experiences balancing her role as a single parent with her elder daughter Alana and her career revelations, reports Devon Live.
Speaking to The Times, Dame Arlene said: "I was a single mother when I had my elder daughter, Alana. I took two weeks off for the birth and when I came back, I had my own Winnebago, a nanny, a PA and a guru who would meditate with me every day.
"I didn't request any of it. I was 47 when Angus and I had Abi, which was wonderful as it was so unexpected, like a gift."
Arlene discussed her journey on the hit BBC show, she said: "I loved my time on Strictly and it was tough when I left, but I got up and carried on with life. I wasn't there when accusations of bullying were made against some of the dancers, but I was quite strict when I started teaching.
"Then I realised there was a different way to talk to people when I had a child. I didn't want to lose my temper. There are ways to get people to do as you want without shouting."
(Image: Getty)
Her departure from Strictly's panel shocked fans after being a mainstay from 2004 to 2008 before admitting the difficulties she faced after leaving the spotlight.
Dame Arlene recounted to the Mirror her coping strategy after a tough experience. She explained: "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.
"I was very fragile because I had a bereavement the day before [her manager died]. I wanted to know in detail.
"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."
Talking to the Express Arlene reflected on her illustrious career and shared her advice for success.
She said: "If you're passionate about it just continue the drive and don't let it go. There will always be ups and downs and bumps along the way but just go with it.
"Especially post-pandemic, a lot of people seem to feel insecure. But you need to literally listen to yourself.
"You take a deep breath and give yourself your best advice. Know that you can do it and just find a way to believe in yourself. Get out and just do it."
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Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Dame Arlene Phillips has opened up about how motherhood at 47 and her tenure on Strictly Come Dancing reshaped her approach to communication and teaching dance. The respected choreographer and former Strictly judge, now aged 82 with two daughters and two granddaughters, has spoken candidly of her experiences balancing her role as a single parent with her elder daughter Alana and her career revelations, reports Devon Live. Speaking to The Times, Dame Arlene said: "I was a single mother when I had my elder daughter, Alana. I took two weeks off for the birth and when I came back, I had my own Winnebago, a nanny, a PA and a guru who would meditate with me every day. "I didn't request any of it. I was 47 when Angus and I had Abi, which was wonderful as it was so unexpected, like a gift." Arlene discussed her journey on the hit BBC show, she said: "I loved my time on Strictly and it was tough when I left, but I got up and carried on with life. I wasn't there when accusations of bullying were made against some of the dancers, but I was quite strict when I started teaching. "Then I realised there was a different way to talk to people when I had a child. I didn't want to lose my temper. There are ways to get people to do as you want without shouting." (Image: Getty) Her departure from Strictly's panel shocked fans after being a mainstay from 2004 to 2008 before admitting the difficulties she faced after leaving the spotlight. Dame Arlene recounted to the Mirror her coping strategy after a tough experience. She explained: "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. "I was very fragile because I had a bereavement the day before [her manager died]. I wanted to know in detail. "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." Talking to the Express Arlene reflected on her illustrious career and shared her advice for success. She said: "If you're passionate about it just continue the drive and don't let it go. There will always be ups and downs and bumps along the way but just go with it. "Especially post-pandemic, a lot of people seem to feel insecure. But you need to literally listen to yourself. "You take a deep breath and give yourself your best advice. Know that you can do it and just find a way to believe in yourself. Get out and just do it."
