Snarlin' Arlene: 'I'll go to ITV'
Snubbed Strictly star's threat
FOOTLOOSE Arlene Philips is threatening to waltz off to ITV after being dumped from the Strictly Come Dancing panel by the BBC.
The 66-year-old, who says she is "shell-shocked" after being replaced by 30-year-old Alesha Dixon, spat: "It's terrible.
"I did a great job for them but now they don't want me because I don't have the right look."
The BBC - accused of ageism for axing Arlene - has claimed she's committed to a slot on The One Show.
Distraught
But a source close to the dance favourite said: "Arlene has made no commitment to the BBC.
"They've been desperate to sign her up to do a Strictly commentary spot on The One Show and Breakfast.
"But she's considering her future and a lot of new TV offers - including ITV shows - that have been flooding in now people know she's back on the market.
"She's not going to be tied up with Strictly. And she's not going to sign any exclusive deal with the BBC that will stop her working for other people."
More than 1,500 enraged viewers have complained to the Beeb over Arlene's brutal axing in favour of Alesha and ballet dancer Darcey Bussell, 40, who will join the panel in later rounds.
A YouGov poll found 17 per cent of Strictly viewers will boycott the show - which starts in September - in protest. Arlene has been too distraught to speak about being dumped but told a friend: "Of course I'm upset. I'm so hurt.
"I've got a lot going on in my life and this was only ever something on the side but it still is a knock - a big one.
"I don't want to sound bitter and twisted because I'm not.
"There are so many emotions running around in my head at the moment that I'm not quite sure what to think or how to express it.
"But I'm angry as well. I mean, what more could I have done? It's hard not to think there must be something else in play." In July the BBC announced Arlene would join The One Show as the Strictly expert across the show's 14-week run.
Making the announcement, BBC1 head Jay Hunt said: "I am delighted she is now forging a new relationship with BBC One by joining the highly successful The One Show team."
But our source said: "The BBC really wanted Arlene to make the statement because they wanted it to appear as if she was happy with the decision, which of course she wasn't.
"At the time she agreed in principle to do The One Show but she hasn't agreed any deal and right now everyone else wants her, too. She's going to have to consider a lot."
More
A TV source disclosed: "Arlene is high on ITV's wish- list.
They've just poached Andrew Lloyd Webber from the BBC and now they want to do the same with her.
"It wouldn't be the first time she's worked with ITV - she was the brains behind musical drama Britannia High last year.
Arlene told a pal: "I can't think about what I'm going to do next.
"I have to take some time out but I don't know if I'll be able to bring myself to go back.
"There's so much more to my life, I don't have to put myself through anything just for the money any more.
"Right now, I still feel numb and shell-shocked."
She added: " I've got my future to plan. I'm excited about doing more work, different work. I'm not going to retire.
"This isn't the end for me."
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This article has 30 comments
Arlene was good and I preferred her to Alesha (who does ok, except sometimes in my opinion she tries to copy Craig's nastiness. I still think it's a great show and am enjoying it to the full!
By Pat. Posted November 8 2009 at 11:04 PM.
HAVE BEEN AT THIS POST YOUNGER WOMAN TAKES OVER WHY BECAUSE THE MALE JUDGES LIKE A PRETTY FACE, PERHAPS BRUNO WILL KEEP HIS HANDS OFF ALESHA AND HER OFF HIM, SHOW HAS LOST ITS CARRISMA
By ANNE OSBORNE. Posted September 27 2009 at 11:28 AM.
Sorry - but the show with Aleisha just makes me
shake my head,
plus it's an insult to any intelligent
educated viewer who appreciates judges with professional experience -
of which Aleisha has zero -
and really she looks
quite embarassed and totally out of her depth.
No more will I watch Strictly as it has somehow
lost it's glitter.
Sincerely,
Valerie Rankin.
By valerie rankin. Posted September 21 2009 at 6:05 PM.
I love alesha but without arline it takes away any credibility, its been switched off in our home by the wife who just loves the programme. Karen Hardy would have been a more practical choice. You got this one wrong BBC BIG TIME
By johnnie. Posted September 20 2009 at 4:46 PM.
Who would of thought the show would be so bad without Arlene and the decision to get rid of Martina Hingis was just the last straw. The show has lost all its glitter and sparkle. I don't take any notice of what Alesha says has she does not have the years of experience as Arlene, other than winning the show, to give an informed opinion and I will probably not watch the show until the quarter finals when Darcy Bustle comes on, at least she has dancing experience.
By David321. Posted September 20 2009 at 12:23 PM.
What a shame, was a classy, informative, show now sadly missing Arlene.
She is intelligent, a true professional,
why replace her because of looks,,,,,,,,,,,no need to compare with the x factor, they attract different age groups anyway.
Shame on you BBC.... bring Arlene back, theres enough pretty girls dancing, lets have some intelligent talk.............sorry Elyshia, you cant buy experience !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By eliza r. Posted September 20 2009 at 10:06 AM.
Alesha should stick to what she does best.....What doies she know about dancing???? Her comments are worthless. The show has become a farse. Bring back Arlene the professional.
By Sally Beaumont. Posted September 20 2009 at 9:03 AM.
Arlene has proved she knows what young kids want with the programme she created. Her talents will mean she will always be in demand.
The BBC are notorious at making bad decisions, and they'll regret losing such an important member of the show.
They're total hypocrites sacking Arlene because of her age - the person they should get rid of is Bruce. He's so out of date, he's a complete embarrassment. His jokes were old when the dinosaurs roamed . . . and it's cringe making watching the poor celebrities forcing polite laughter - they really do earn their money!
By Lin. Posted August 24 2009 at 4:27 PM.
how can they replace an expert with a pop singer?
I have always been a fan but will not watch again.
I hope the ITV come up with a rival programme and poach the rest of the credible judges as well.
By shalee . Posted August 23 2009 at 9:45 AM.
I think it is a disgrace to exchange attention seeking laughing hyena Alesha for Arlene will not be watching will not be watching will not be watching show is a farce now hope it ends up of the air can not stand Alesha she knows nothing like her stupid song the boy does nothing never missed a series but will now be watching the other side bye bye strictly NO NO NO NO NO NO TO ALESHA
By Patsy . Posted August 9 2009 at 11:55 PM.
i totally agree that its unfair arlene has been dropped from the show, after all like her or hate her she was a major part of the show-for one thing just to see how much botox she'd had that particular week!!however i dont think its fair people having a pop at aleisha,after all who would turn down that position despite wether you knew shit about it or not at least she has the experience of being in the contestants position which non of the other judges have,she probably cant believe her luck herself!im sure she will blag her way through it i know i would,its pretty ironic really that arlene was givin out the advice/criticism this time last year to aleisha and now aleisha has taken her job!!
By jake. Posted August 5 2009 at 12:41 AM.
I don't particularly like Arlene but at least she was qualified to comment as a Judge. Aleisha Dixon is not qualified and I agree with Kathy Parson's comment all we will get is meaningless drivel from this boring attention seeker.
I too will no longer be watching!
By christina.glenister@eds.com. Posted August 3 2009 at 10:21 AM.
Axing Arlene is a disgrace I can't understand why her fellow judges didn't support her I will no longer watch the show.
By Kathy Shaw. Posted August 2 2009 at 6:09 PM.
I am surprised that the BBC dumped Arlene Philips, the one they should have lost is Brucie and if they insist on keeping him they should tell him to cut out his jokes they are no longer funny in fact they are painful, tell him to keep dancing or play the piano, but comedian no longer he is like me past it!
By William Henry. Posted August 2 2009 at 1:31 PM.
I think it is a disgrace what the BBC have done - ruined a fantastic, ratings winning show and why? Just for 'changes sake'! I suggest all those who feel as I do do what I have done which is to register a complaint at BBC Complaints, and then follow it up past their TWO meaningless, immediate response emails and put your complaint in writing to Martin Scott, Head of Format Entertainment, BBC TV Centre, BBC Entertainment, Room 4010, Wood Lane, London W12 7TQ. Power to the viewers!!!
By Sandra Brown. Posted August 2 2009 at 11:27 AM.
I personally am glad that Arlene Philips has left the show because I used to wonder if some of her nasty comments were due to her dislike of a person rather than their dancing abilities. True I am not an expert but have always been a dance fan and have watched dancing programmes all my life. Anyway I will be watching it and Alesha is not only gorgeous but has a great personality.
By Vic. Posted August 2 2009 at 11:02 AM.
Cant stand Arlene and thanks to her I stopped watching Strictly Come dancing. I'm a fan of both Darcy and Alesha so what a bonus this is for me.
By Kathy. Posted August 2 2009 at 10:53 AM.
maybe the other station wont want her. imean to say....its not as if she has much to offer, as i.t.v. dont do come dancing, and the bill only take ex -soap stars. she should get on im not a celeb get me in there.............
By james fulton. Posted August 2 2009 at 10:45 AM.
bbc has done it again ruined a good programme.there was enough glamour on the dance floor, who needs it on the panel. if its not broke why fix it. i wont be watching.
By olivia g. Posted August 2 2009 at 10:02 AM.
Alesha Dixon is not qualified to judge this show. She has a nasty cackle in her laugh trying to be something she isn't, and is pretty much a very average singer at best.
By Jay. Posted August 2 2009 at 9:26 AM.
A complete travesty that Arlene has left the show in favour of younger, inexperienced blood. OK Alesha has won the show previously but only did what she was taught. She has no knowledge of in depth dancing skills which Arlene certainly does have and offers constructive criticism. If the BBC have gone for beauty then they should have called my gran as Alesha is lacking in the beauty and knowledge department.
By Billy Love. Posted August 2 2009 at 9:31 AM.
Nic - you said bbc aren't ageist when they still have brucie but that has sort of been the point all the way along - that male tv stars are kept whilst they are old and wrinkly but that females are dropped for younger smoother stars
Arlene was never my favourite judge - a bit mean and bitchy sometimes but she knew what she was talking about and gave the male judges a run for their money. Alisha is not a choreographer, or a dance coach so how can she criticise what the amateur dancers do or how the [professionals coach the amateurs. I never thought i would stop watching SCD but i have a feeling i am going to get really annoyed (as will the professionals) as Alisha points out flaws....although i think she is just going to be the pathetic nicey nicey judge who always smiles and says you did really well! pathetic - big boob by the BBC
By bunny. Posted August 2 2009 at 9:18 AM.
As a male viewer, I am delighted that Arlene has been replaced with Alesha. Alesha is super sexy and while I acknowledge that Arlene knows a bit about dancing, she is well, well past her best now.
By CAM. Posted August 2 2009 at 9:08 AM.
It is a shame Arlene has to go, but you cannot call them ageist, not while the truly awful Brucie is still being wheeled out. We will not watch this again until HE is replaced. He is not funny and the audience clearly need a sharp poke with a stick to make them laugh at the appropriate times!
Arlene you will go on to do more.....
By Nic. Posted August 2 2009 at 8:37 AM.
Millie, say no more you have nailed it on the head:-)
By sue. Posted August 2 2009 at 7:45 AM.
i WON'T BE WATCHING AGAIN, THE CELEBS DANCING IS NOT THE APPEAL OF THE SHOW- ITS THE 'EXPERT' OPINONS THAT MAKE THE SHOW. THE 'EXPERT OPINIONS' HELP THE CELEBS IMPROVE AND THEN WE SEE A JOURNEY FOR THE CELEBS IN THE LATER WEEKS THAT THEN MAKES THE CEL PART INTERESTING.
sAME FOR X FACTOR- ITS THE OPINONS OF SIMON AND LOU THAT COUNT AND THAT MAKE THE SHOW.
aS THEY SAY ON DRAGONS DEN- I'M OUT
AND THATS A FACT
By millie. Posted August 2 2009 at 7:14 AM.
She can't understand why she's been dropped? Its called eye candy. Along with Holly Willoughby its the only way to get a male audience watching pointless ballroom dancing.
By Tim B. Posted August 2 2009 at 3:08 AM.
I can't understand the BBC dropping Arlene Phillips. The audience myself included sometimes didn't agree with her,but she at least knew what she was talking about and explained why she voted in a paticular way.
Alesha Dixon may look good on a dance floor or a stage but as a judge she'll come across as a Miss Goodie Two Shoes with no substance. I expect people will watch at first but I won't be surprised if the rating start to fall.
By Ronnie Anderson. Posted August 2 2009 at 1:06 AM.
Doesn't "want to sound bitter and twisted" indeed :-X
By Blink. Posted August 2 2009 at 12:10 AM.
im disgusted by the bbc's decision to dump arlene for dixon. not just because of the ageism aspect, but how the hell can dixon judge celebrities on the show when she isnt qualified in any way professionally??!!
at least darcy bussell can pass objective comments, with dixon all we'll get is meaningless drivel like 'oh i thought you were great', 'you were really into it' etc
anyone but an attention seeker like dixon. ugh. i wont be watching again.
By kathy parsons. Posted August 1 2009 at 11:22 PM.