Strictly's Arlene Phillips: 'BBC Show Is a Bad Experience for Older Women'

Ah, the beloved Strictly Come Dancing, now in its 20th series – a dazzling testament to our collective fascination with sequins, samba, and the occasional scandal. It seems like just yesterday we were twirling around in our living rooms, blissfully unaware that beneath all that glitter, lurked a fair share of controversy. And this year is no exception, with Giovanni Pernice finding himself at the center of an investigation that could make even the most seasoned reality show judge raise an eyebrow.

But controversy is as ingrained in this show as the cha-cha is in its choreography. Remember back in 2009? The fallout from the replacement of Arlene Phillips with the youthful pop sensation Alesha Dixon was so explosive, it left many wondering if the real battle was between opera and pop rather than contestants. The uproar over ageism and sexism was palpable, serving as a reminder that while we cheer for the dancers, sometimes the judges take the brunt of our judgments.

Fast forward to today, and Arlene Phillips, now 81, hasn’t graced the judges' panel since 2008, yet she’s still casting an enormous shadow over the proceedings. At the recent Women of the Year Awards, she candidly expressed her disdain for the way older women are portrayed on the show. “It can be a bad experience,” she confessed, albeit with the wisdom that comes from many pirouettes. "I don’t particularly like how older women are perceived [on the show]—they should be celebrated, not sidelined.” There’s something beautifully tragic in that statement, don't you think?

Arlene further elaborated, casting a spotlight on the pressures these older contestants face. “Many of them take it to heart, and that breaks them as women,” she asserted. It’s as if she’s holding up a mirror to the harsh realities lurking behind the glamour of the ballroom. Despite the fun spirit of dancing, the show can sometimes feel like a gendered gladiatorial arena, where the stakes are high and the heartache can be even higher.

As if a dramatic backdrop wasn’t enough, enter Amanda Abbington. The Sherlock actress ignited an investigation into Giovanni Pernice after making allegations of “bullying” against him. The theater of it all – her withdrawal in week five, coupled with the official complaints she made to the BBC – has unfolded like a well-scripted episode, albeit with a darker twist. And despite Giovanni’s insistence that the accusations were unfounded, the BBC’s findings revealed that six out of her 17 claims were upheld. Talk about a plot twist!

The BBC, in their statement, took pains to assure us that they take bullying and harassment seriously – which is truly commendable, yet I can’t help but think that the wheels of their investigations turned slower than a waltz on a bad day. When they finally wrapped up their report, their tone was as serious as a dancer’s furrowed brow during a tense routine. They graciously apologized to Amanda Abbington while also acknowledging that the production team’s initial responses didn’t quite cut the mustard.

In a world obsessed with reality television, Strictly Come Dancing continues to be a cultural touchstone, but it’s also a reminder that behind every twirl and dip is a reality that can sometimes be far messier than the glitter they throw around. As the series continues, let's hope it not only entertains us but also paves the way for a more inclusive and understanding spotlight for everyone who dares to step into that glittering arena.