MX23RW : Monday, June 1 18:20:38| >> :600:1895843:1895843:

Arlene Phillips launches own investigation into Strictly axe 12 years ago

Arlene Phillips launches own investigation into Strictly axe 12 years ago
© BBC
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:Follow us on Twitter @SMEntsFeed and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Click here for more stories about Arlene Phillips

Share this article now:
Gary Neville
Read Next:
Neville judges dancing competition
>
Latest Entertainment Video
Did you know...?

rhs 2.0
TV picks header

Monday, June 1


Killing Eve: iPlayer, from 6am
It's crunch time for all of the main players - who will make it out alive?

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: All4, from 5.45am
All seven seasons of the cult series are made available to stream for free

Last Week Tonight: Sky Comedy, 10.10pm
John Oliver looks back at a very troubling week for the US

The Plastic Nile: Sky Documentaries, 9pm
An investigation into how plastic waste is ruining the world's longest river

Snowpiercer: Netflix, from 8am
Layton heads into Snowpiercer's black market in an effort to find the killer

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!