Axed Arlene, 76, seeks answers on ‘BBC ageism’

ARLENE Phillips has used Freedom of Information laws to find out if she was axed from Strictly Come Dancing because of ageism.

The former judge on the BBC One show, 76, has launched her own investigation into why she was removed from the hit celebrity contest in 2009.

She was replaced by series winner Alesha Dixon, who was then 30, which sparked a public ageism row.

Arlene said:

“I’ve got the

Arlene Phillips, left, wants to know why she was replaced by Alesha, right

Elly Blake

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.”

The 2000 Freedom of Information Act is a law which allows the public right of access to information held by publicly funded organisations, such as the BBC. Arlene added that she thought the situation had been “handled poorly” by BBC bosses.

She said: “Nowadays, they could have

Arlene Phillips on Strictly with her fellow judge Len Goodman

given me the chance to resign or build a story around it.

“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.”

The former dancer revealed she wants to set up a counselling group for celebrities who are struggling away from the limelight.

She said: “I think those

people can struggle. As you age, or even when you’re young, the next group come along, then the next.

“One minute you’re the focus of everyone’s attention, the next you are nowhere and pushed out of the way.

“It’s very hard to deal with and I know what that feels like.”

The BBC declined to comment but has always denied Arlene’s exit was due to her age.