Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips issues brutal five-word admission on ageing
Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips issues brutal five-word admission on ageing
Arlene Phillips, who was one of the first four judges on the massively popular BBC show, said she'd been asked a certain question by her family that she called a "very good idea"
Dame Arlene worked as one of the original four judges on Strictly
(Image: ITV )
Dame Arlene Phillips has made an unusual declaration to her loved ones about a significant event, stating she doesn't "need any more" in her life.
The distinguished choreographer, famed for leading the television dance crew Hot Gossip and being one of the original panel members on the acclaimed BBC dance contest until her departure in 2009, is turning the page as her 82nd birthday approaches.
Since then, Arlene, who turns 82 next week, has appeared on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, as the oldest celebrity contestant ever to take part in the show and has continued to be a key figure in the dance world.
Yet, as the theatre director and former judge faces her next birthday, she has revealed that she was presented with a certain question from her family that she ultimately dubbed a "very good idea."
Speaking to the Mail, Arlene recalled: "My family said, 'Do you just want to skip it?' I said, 'That sounds like a very good idea'. So, I'm skipping my birthday. I've had so many amazing birthdays - I don't need any more."
Arlene was presented with a certain question from her family
(Image: Getty Images )
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Last December, Arlene divulged her secret to maintaining her svelte figure well into her eighties, confessing she abides by a certain "dieting rule". For Arlene, staving off cravings for crisps or chocolate involves always having a pack of chicory to hand.
Despite having a healthy go-to distraction for hunger pangs, she admits that there are times when she indulges herself, reflecting: "This has not been a good year for my weight, not at all."
Arlene Phillips has also shared her relaxed attitude towards food in her 80s, saying: "Sometimes I make a decision that I'm going to eat frugally and carefully, and my mind can stick with it. Other times I just think, 'You're in your eighties - you can have what you want. Make sure you're enjoying everything you eat!'"
She expressed her thoughts on weight loss jabs, revealing she wishes she "had the courage" but has an aversion to injections. Phillips mentioned she would love to shed the extra 14 lbs that "seem to have attached" to her body.
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge, who was part of the show from 2004 to 2008, was succeeded by Alesha Dixon in 2009. Alesha, the show's 2007 winner, was later replaced.
Arlene ultimately dubbed the question a "very good idea"
(Image: ITV )
Article continues below
The current judging panel comprises Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke. Meanwhile, Arlene has had a diverse career, working on music videos with icons like Tina Turner, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston.
Her choreography expertise has been showcased in notable musical and film productions, including We Will Rock You and the 1982 film adaptation of Annie. She also held the role of "creative dramaturg" in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express.
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