‘Missing cuddling my little granddaughter has been particularly tough’
Arlene Phillips on how lockdown has changed her life... for better and worse
ARLENE Phillips is the choreographer and former dancer whose no-nonsense style made her a Strictly judging legend.
But despite her tough exterior, the 77-year-old star admits the pandemic has left her feeling very anxious in general and especially jittery of seeing anyone.
She says: “There have been days that have been really hard. Days when fear sets in and it’s hanging like a halo on my head.
“I won’t take public transport and I am very cautious about anyone coming into the house. Having my hairdresser in my house last week was a big deal.
“I do have my down times and I am lost because I am so used to being in a rehearsal room at 10 in the morning and I feel so much emotion for those affected in my industry. So I think, ‘What do I do? I will get out, go for a walk. Put some music on and move.’ I’m a real people person. I miss the buzz of talking with people I work with about shows and theatre. I miss communicating with lots of people.”
Lockdown has also meant enforced separation from her beloved 18-month-old granddaughter Lila, the child of Arlene’s eldest daughter Alana, 40.
Just a few minutes drive away from each other in north London,arlene, who has two children, usually sees them twice a week.
But for the past few months it was videocalls only until they were finally reunited last week. Arlene says: “Missing cuddling Lila has been particularly tough.
“It was so joyful to see her and play with her. She chats away and is so responsive. She’s an absolutely delightful little thing.
“I hadn’t realised I could love so much again. It’s really wonderful.”
However, lockdown has meant Arlene has been able to spend much more alone time with Angus Ion, her partner of more than three decades – something she has enjoyed.
Angus, a set designer, is the father of her youngest daughter Abi, 29, who was conceived when Arlene was 47. They met in 1985 when they were working on Freddie Mercury’s video for I Was Born To Love You.
Arlene says: “I am so often away with work, but spending time with Angus has always been hugely important.
“We’ve had a great time together. It’s been fabulous. He is very good on cooking and gardening. Me, not so much. But I have started gardening and getting my hands dirty as they say! I have to stay busy and keep my mind working.” She added: “We go for long walks every day. I started out at 10,000 steps a day, now it’s 20,000. Partdancing, part-running and part-jogging.
“I do dance every day – even if it’s with Lila! I want to make the most of the time [in lockdown], plus obviously working and creating new projects.”
She says of Angus: “We have so many shared interests but he is more of an introvert and likes to be at home reading and gardening. He is passionate about things he loves and we have endless discussions about art, theatre, plays.”
After seeing her daughters, granddaughter and hairdresser again – “that made me feel like a different woman!” – Arlene will continue playing safe for the time being. She says: “I have my little family bubble. That’s it.”
However, she believes the Government’s advice for the over-70s should be more specific. Currently they are being told they should “take particular care to avoid contact with others”. But at the same time they “can meet people both outdoors and indoors”.
Arlene says, “I understand that if you’ve got Covid-19 it would be far more severe than for a younger person, but I haven’t got underlying health issues.
“I saw Dee Dee Wilde from Pan’s People on TV the other day. She is 73 and was dancing away – slim, fit, strong. I was asking myself, is there a passport, if you like, for healthy over-70s, in terms of shielding?
“Is there an escape route? Or does it mean that anyone over 70 is at risk?” Arlene is also concerned about the BBC’S decision to end free TV licences for over-75s. From August 1 they must pay the annual fee of £157.50 unless they receive Pension Credit.
She says: “For many people I know personally, this is the worst news and it ‘WE’VE HAD A GREAT TIME TOGETHER’: Arlene with her partner of three decades, Angus Ion will be a struggle to try and raise that money out of already little income.
“For many old people, the television is their lifeblood, somewhere they go for entertainment if they can’t get out.”
Arlene was a part of that as a judge on Strictly right from its launch in 2004 until 2009.
She has also choreographed shows such as Cats and Starlight Express and the dance troupe Hot Gossip in the 1970s and has no plans to retire.
She says: “Age is a mindset, it’s the way you feel, and as long as you eat healthily enough and keep up some exercise, and have a love or a passion for your work, it doesn’t feel like work. It’s the thing that keeps you alive.
“If people have a need or a want to retire, then they absolutely must, but I have never wanted to do anything other than what I do.” When the coronavirus crisis struck, Arlene’s diary was full up to 2023.
She says: “I was doing a brand new production of the Wizard Of Oz at the
‘I hadn’t realised I could love so much again. It’s wonderful’ ‘For many people the TV is their lifeblood if they can’t get out’
Curve in Leicester, music for Tom Jones based on the novel What’s New Pussycat? So many exciting things.
“But all the projects I had this year have either been cancelled or moved to next year. Some of them have disappeared because the producers have no idea if they will be able to raise the money to put on a new show. It’s so heartbreaking.
“We need to keep the arts alive! It’s so good for the mind and soul. But I really don’t know what will happen in the future.”
Arlene had her first socially distanced meeting for a new project last week. She says: “I know I am fortunate because other people are suffering so much. All over the country, people are suffering with nothing, they can’t even see the future.”
She is also involved with a new charity venture for the QEF (Queen Elizabeth Foundation), which helps people with disabilities to achieve their goals..
Arlene says: “On August 4, the Queen Mother’s birthday, there will be a virtual tea that will be led by Nicholas Witchell and Prue Leith, and during that tea you can buy tickets for its auction.
“They want ‘Money Can’t Buy’ auction prizes. I am auctioning myself to do a ‘Cha cha chat’ on Zoom. They can ask any question they like with lots of gossip about my life and I will reveal all my secrets!”
● To take part in QEF’S Queen’s Tea and win a chance to chat to celebs such as Arlene Phillips, Alison Steadman and Marion Bailey, go to qef.org.uk/queenstea