Strictly star opens up on 'incredibly traumatic' time with 'not very nice' pro partner
Fiona Phillips has claimed that her experience on Strictly Come Dancing didn't live up to what it appears to be like on camera. Strictly is known for its sparkle and excitement, as professional dancers teach celebrities Ballroom and Latin routines.
Reflecting on her time on the show, the 64-year-old said there were often moments where she'd be "on the brink of tears" during what she has described as an "incredibly traumatic" time.
In the former GMTV presenter's new book Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer's, serialised by the Daily Mail, she delves into her career and personal struggles.
Recounting her time on Strictly 20 years on from taking part, she shared: "He [Brendan Cole] could also be seen looking at my dancing and saying, 'Pathetic, it's not good enough!' Then I'm begging him to 'stop shouting' and worrying that I look completely ridiculous," reports the Mirror.
"There's a clip where I say to the cameraman that Brendan is looking at me like he's stepped in something. I really don't remember much of that time now – maybe I blocked it out because all I recall is the sense that it was incredibly traumatic."
Fiona went on to say that at the time she had also questioned her participation, given that she had just placed her mother in a care home, and was "exhausted" from it all.
"Fortunately (although I don't think Brendan saw it that way), we were voted out in week four. It was all over on Bonfire Night. What a relief," she continued.
In 2018, Brendan didn't have his contract for the series renewed and emotionally discussed the decision on ITV's Lorraine.
Following this announcement, Fiona claimed it was "karma" and took a swipe at Brendan.
She told the Daily Star: "Brendan was a real b****r, actually. He wasn't very nice. He was really naughty.
"He's not on the show now. Karma indeed. It works its way every time."
A representative for Brendan has been contacted.
Fiona's book is mostly focused on her battle with Alzheimer's, which she was diagnosed with in 2022.
In a bid to stay positive, she has continued with her career, with the support of her husband Martin Frizell, and keeps active with strolls in the park and enjoying coffee outings with friends.
Speaking to The Mirror in 2023, she revealed: "I'm living with it by not letting it ruin things. I am just carrying on as much as I can. It's when I talk about it that I can't quite believe I'm talking about myself - I'm used to talking about it in relation to my mum and my dad having it.
"My whole family have been slaughtered by it. I'm not sure if the drugs are working or not... I don't think anyone would know there is anything wrong with me.. but who knows? Would they?".
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