Strictly Come Dancing legend announces she’s quitting TV job to 'keep it exciting'

One Strictly legend left fans devastated as she confirmed she’s quitting a major TV role.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has confirmed she won’t be returning to Dancing on Ice for the next series.

Asked by The Sun if she plans to see out another series, Arlene, 79, explained: “No not this year, I think having five judges is actually quite a long process and I personally think you need to keep all of the comments snappy – keep those shows moving along.

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“Sometimes I find the physical entertainment and watching the artists is really exciting and then I feel like the judges’ comments should be two sentences, just two sentences, next thank you.”

She said that it was never planned that they would have five judges.

Dame Arlene explained: “I don’t think they were going to have five judges this year, it was just a one off, in a way a post-pandemic return.”

It comes after the I’m A Celeb star was axed from her Strictly role – with BBC bosses forced to deny allegations of ageism.

She was axed in 2008, with Labour’s then Deputy Leader and Equalities Minister Harriet Harman slamming the decision.

She hit out: “I think it’s absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

“As Equalities Minister, I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there. So I’d like to take the opportunity of asking the BBC: it is not too late, we want Arlene Phillips in the next edition of Strictly Come Dancing.”

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But a spokesperson for the network said: “Harriet Harman is entitled to her view and it is great to know she’s a fan of the show.

“Age had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene Phillips. The BBC employs numerous mature presenters across the schedule.”

Arlene, meanwhile, said she “kicked, screamed and sobbed” when she found out about the axe.

She said: “I gave myself 48 hours to kick, scream, cry and sob, and eat scones with cream and jam, then I made myself wake up and get on with it.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk