Arlene Phillips Claims Strictly Come Dancing is a 'Negative Experience for Older Women'

Once again, the flames of ageism in the glitzy world of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing are being fanned by none other than Arlene Phillips, the former judge who knows a thing or two about what it means to sway gracefully in the spotlight—especially when you’ve got a few years under your belt. At a sprightly 81, Arlene has been vocal about the notable absence of kindness in the portrayal of older women on the show since being elegantly ushered out in favor of younger stars in 2009. Ah, the bittersweet symphony of showbiz!

In her latest rant—let's call it a spirited discussion—she bared her heart at the Women of the Year Awards, where she expressed her discontent with the perceptions of aging women in the dancing arena. “I don’t particularly like the way older women are perceived,” she lamented, as if she was discussing the weather and not the rather troubling facets of our society’s obsession with youth.

When you peel back the sequins and sparkles, there’s a somber truth: many of the older competitors on Strictly bring their best shoes and even better intentions to the dance floor, but what seems to be lacking is the celebratory spirit necessary to truly relish the experience. Arlene pointed out that these talented women often take the competition to heart, and when they do, heartbreak ensues. “It breaks them as women,” she said, a subtle reminder that behind every twirl is a very real story.

"Here’s the thing,” Arlene mused with the wisdom that only comes with age and experience, “If you can throw caution to the wind—if you can step onto that dance floor saying, ‘I’m doing this for me, and, frankly, I don’t care what anyone else thinks!’—then you’re doing it right. But, let’s face it, not everyone can muster that level of audacity. And for many, that pressure turns what should be a joyous experience into an arduous ordeal.” Can you feel the irony? The very essence of dancing, the joy, gets overshadowed by the weight of competition.

Arlene firmly believes that Strictly Come Dancing should encapsulate laughter, warmth, and, above all, fun! “It’s not about gleaning the glimmering trophy,” she insisted, “but embracing the heart and kindness that the show was built upon.” And while she’s not throwing the blame squarely at the show’s doorstep, there’s a calling for a mindset shift in this frothy world of sequined gowns and dramatic lifts.

With a nod to her own experiences—which might as well be chronicled in a cheeky memoir—Arlene emphasized how crucial mental preparation is for any daunting venture. “When I was going into the jungle, they spent ages preparing me. They were transparent about what to expect! Preparation is half the battle,” she quipped, a reminder that even the fiercest dancers need a bit of pep talk before taking that plunge into the unknown.

So there you have it, dear reader. Arlene Phillips isn't just a dancing judge; she's a juggernaut of wisdom in a world that could use a healthy dose of compassion and a little less ageism on the dance floor. Can we all agree on that? Let’s keep the humor alive and leave the heartbreak behind, shall we?