Strictly Come Dancing legend says they’ll ‘never forgive’ bosses for their shock axing from BBC show
A STRICTLY Come Dancing legend has revealed she’ll ‘never forgive’ bosses for axing her.
Dame Arlene Phillips has taken a fresh swipe at execs as she revealed she’s finally ‘accepted’ her sacking.
The 81-year-old was part of the judging lineup for the debut series and was staple of the show until 2009.
She was then replaced by Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.
Now, 15 years later, Arlene said she still doesn’t forgive the broadcaster for dropping her.
She told The Mirror: “Accepted but not forgiven.
“Yes, I have moved on. I suppose it is something to rejoice, and I can always remind myself; I was there at the pilot, when nobody ever thought this show was going to be a show.”
At the time of her axing, the Beeb faced backlash from angry viewers claiming they had discriminated because of Arlene’s age.
The mum-of-two continued: “I was uninvited to return. And I think there’s a big difference. If I had left the show, it would have been my choice.
“I actually feel even to this day, I wish it had been discussed. I wish that they had come to me and said, ‘We’re not going to keep you on’, and what the reasons were, and then I could adjust myself to it.”
Arlene added: “The truth is I just don’t think they thought I was good enough. That’s the truth about it. That’s what really hurts because I felt like I was a good judge.”
Last year Arlene sparked a new Strictly feud as she took a swipe at the judges.
She said she ‘fast-forward’s’ Craig, Shirley and Anton’s comments because they ‘go on far too long’.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.