Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips is still looking for answers into why she was sensationally sacked from Strictly Come Dancing.
Arlene, 76, was a firm favourite with fans of the hit BBC show, so it came as a big shock to everyone, particularly her, when she was given the chop from the Strictly judging panel in 2009 and replaced by former champion Alesha Dixon, who is now of course a judge on Britain's Got Talent.
Arlene's sacking led to the BBC facing accusations of ageism against her and now, 11 years on, top choreographer Arlene has launched an investigation into why she lost the coveted role, using the 2000 Freedom of Information Act to get information held by the BBC.
She told the Sod’s Law Podcast: “I’ve got the Freedom of Information and looking at the chaotic way that led up to it was shocking. Most is redacted."
“There’s some information there and even that’s chaotic, let alone what was redacted from the report."
CBE recipient Arlene, who has choreographed hit musicals like Grease, Saturday Night Fever and We Will Rock You, added: "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.”
This year's Strictly is still in some doubt due to the coronavirus pandemic, but judge Craig Revel-Horwood has confirmed that 'contingency plans' are in place and a number of big stars have been linked to the Strictly line-up for the new series.
Last year's show was won by 'super sub' Kelvin Fletcher who stepped in for Jamie Laing, after the Made in Chelsea withdrew from the competition due to injury.
