Strictly similar stars nearly 20 years apart

WITH glossy hair and cherry-red lips, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas and her predecessor Arlene Phillips look strikingly similar — but they are 17 years apart in age.

The dancing duo were at an after-party celebrating the final performance of Phillips’ one-woman show in London. While Phillips (far right), 74, wore a lacy dress, Ballas, 57, was in more casual garb, sporting a tan leather jacket and jeans.

Phillips, who has admitted having Botox and fillers, was a judge on Strictly for four years. Her surprise sacking in 2009 prompted an ageism row, with Phillips admitting this year that she still does not know why she lost the job.

‘I’ve never really been given a real reason,’ she said. ‘I don’t think I will ever know.’