Arlene in fightback

ARLENE Philips went on ITV’S I’m A Celeb to hit back at the BBC for axing her on Strictly, a pal says.

TV presenter Nick Ede was asked if Arlene was motivated by being booted off in 2009 and replaced by Alesha Dixon, which sparked an ageism row.

Nick said: “100% – and I think it is a wonderful thing ITV have taken on somebody who is 78.

“The ageism thing at the BBC was wrong – they still have people like Mary Berry on there – but at that time it was really quite contentious.

“And for her to be doing a show which is up against her old show that she did shows she has life in her, that she is still a big star.” Despite her huge popularity Nick says Arlene will be “overwhelmed” by how much viewers have been rooting for her.

“She’s just been made a dame. I think it is a validation she is still relevant. When she comes out she will be overawed at the love everybody is having for her and quite deserved because she is a national treasure.

Laughter

“It shows the BBC missed out.” Arlene was a Strictly judge with

Len Goodman, Craig Revel

Horwood and Bruno Tonioli from its 2004 launch but replaced by

2007 winner Alesha.

And she has been close friends with Nick for 10 years after they met at a charity event. That bond made her Nick’s “rock” in the darkest days of the pandemic, during which he says she “literally saved my life”.

Nick added: “We helped each other and gave each other a lot of support, laughter and wisdom and had a very special bond.

“We’d have a weekly call where we told each other we loved each other. She was like a mother, a best friend a sister. She got me out of the darkest hole I’ve ever had since my mum died.

“I’m A Celebrity is just the perfect tonic for her to move forward and prove, to not only us but also herself, what an amazing woman she is.”