Ex-Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has revealed she is quitting a big TV role. Arelene confirmed she won’t be returning to ITV show Dancing on Ice after appearing on it earlier this year.
Speaking to the Sun newspaper, the Strictly legend said: "Not this year (will I be on Dancing on Ice). I think having five judges is actually quite a long process and I personally think you need to keep all of the comments snappy - keep those shows moving along.”
Arlene added: "Sometimes I find the physical entertainment and watching the artists is really exciting and then I feel like the judges' comments should be two sentences, just two sentences. Next - thank you."
Read more: Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton issued ban from BBC
As reported by Birmingham Live, she was part of the original Strictly judging panel, with Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood. Over the years other judges have included Alesha Dixon and Darcey Bussell, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse.
Arlene, now aged 79, was on the Strictly panel from 2004 until 2009. When she left, Labour's then-deputy leader and equalities minister, Harriet Harman, said that the BBC’s decision to replace Arelene was “absolutely shocking” and called for her to be reinstated.
Ms Harman said: “I think it’s absolutely shocking that Arlene is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. As equalities minister, I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there. So I’d like to take the opportunity of asking the BBC: it is not too late, we want Arlene Phillips in the next edition of Strictly Come Dancing.”
A BBC spokesperson said at the time: “Harriet Harman is entitled to her view and it is great to know she’s a fan of the show. Age had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene Phillips. The BBC employs numerous mature presenters across the schedule.”
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