Arlene Phillips has sparked controversy by slamming politicians who take part in popular reality TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing, insisting they are "making fools of themselves" and damaging their credibility.
The former Strictly judge, who has been vocal about various issues in the entertainment industry, did not hold back when asked if former Prime Minister Theresa May should join the BBC show.
Speaking to Express Online at the Women of the Year Awards, Arlene shared: “No, I don’t (think Theresa May should do Strictly). I’m not big on politicians, even ex-politicians. I don’t know why, but going into the jungle, or dancing on Strictly,” referencing the growing trend of public figures taking part in reality shows like I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.
Phillips believes that politicians—regardless of how respected they are—undermine their position when they take part in light-hearted entertainment programs.
“Even though we don’t respect all our politicians, I actually don’t like them making fools of themselves. We try to teach our children and grandchildren to respect people who are governing and running the country, not going on shows and doing silly little games.”
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Despite her strong opposition to politicians joining reality TV, Phillips expressed a certain sympathy for former Prime Minister Theresa May. “I liked Theresa May and in some ways I felt really sorry for her,” she revealed, before concluding, “But I think she should just get on with her own life.”
Phillips', 81, comments add to her growing reputation for speaking out on issues surrounding reality television. Known for her sharp critiques on everything from ageism in Strictly Come Dancing to her views on older women being perceived poorly in such competitions.
She added: “I don’t particularly like the way older women are perceived (on the show). I don’t like that there is a certain, there are some people who are phenomenal as they age and it’s not that they should have danced before, but the one thing I don’t like about strictly is many of the older women who take part are really serious about it, as they should be, but they also take it to heart and that breaks them as women”
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She expressed that while older contestants may approach the competition with a sense of seriousness, that very attitude can make the experience overwhelming and, in some cases, damaging.
Phillips was controversially dropped from Strictly in 2009 and replaced with a much younger Alesha Dixon.
Each year the annual lunch and awards celebrates the achievements of four hundred and fifty specially chosen women from across the UK and around the world who are doing remarkable work and making a difference to others.
Founded by Lady Antonella Lothian OBE, better known as simply Tony Lothian, the lunch and awards were created and launched in 1955.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has been passed the baton from Julie Etchingham to become President of Women of the Year.
Artist Dame Tracey Emin DBE won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Other attendees at the event included Lorraine Kelly and Myleene Klass.
