At 78, Arlene Phillips is the oldest contestant to take part in this or previous series of I’m A Celebrity.
Nonetheless, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge is not planning on taking it easy during her time in Gwrych Castle.
She’s said since being confirmed for the I’m A Celebrity 2021 cast line up that she plans on organising “fun dance routines” for her fellow celebrities.
But will the likes of Richard Madeley and Danny Miller want to spend time kicking their legs in the air when castle meals are being rationed?
When was Arlene Phillips on Strictly Come Dancing? Why did she leave?
Arlene Phillips was one of the original judges on Strictly when it launched in 2004.
She lined up alongside Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood until 2008.
Arlene was then replaced by former Strictly winner Alesha Dixon in a controversial axing.
The move was criticised as being discriminatory against older women, but the BBC denied this.
The matter was also raised in the House of Commons by Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality.
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Arlene later expressed regret at not pushing back more.
She reflected: “As a woman I should’ve thought about it. I should’ve demanded why the woman had gone, and three men remain.
“I should have asked [BBC bosses] to analyse it. And I should have had the strength to at least ask for reasons – and if not getting the reasons, a damn well apology.”
And as recently as last year, Arlene highlighted how she was still dissatisfied with how her departure was handled in such a “shocking” manner.
She indicated she’d made a Freedom of Information request to look into the “chaotic” management of her exit.
What were Hot Gossip famous for?
Before BBC TV fame as a Strictly judge, Arlene was known as a choreographer and dancer herself.
She formed dance group Hot Gossip in 1974, comprised of her dance students.
The troupe, known for their saucy costumes and routines, became a staple on The Kenny Everett Show in the late 1970s.
They enjoyed chart success with disco hit I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trooper with Sarah Brightman in 1978.
And the group later had their own TV special on Channel 4 in the 1980s.
What has Arlene Phillips choreographed?
Arlene has worked extensively as a choreographer, in London’s West End and Broadway in New York.
Shows she has added her sparkle to include Grease, Saturday Night Fever, The Wizard of Oz, Flashdance and We Will Rock You.
She has also collaborated with Duran Duran for the music video for The Wild Boys, which picked up a BRIT award in 1985.
Is Arlene Phillips married?
Arlene has been with her set designer partner Angus Ion since 1985. They met during filming for a Freddie Mercury music video.
She was previously married to fashion designer Danny Noble for seven years.
Reflecting on the end of her marriage, Arlene has said: “I was building Hot Gossip and I was so into my work that I didn’t give enough time to, or care enough about, my marriage.
“I remember there was a New Year’s Eve when Hot Gossip were dancing and Danny wanted me to be somewhere with him. I almost knew at that point that if I went with the group it would be a decision too far… and I went with the group.”
She has admitted to very much enjoying her love life as a single woman during the Hot Gossip days.
Arlene has previously said: “It was a fine time to be an attractive woman on the fringes of showbiz. God yes, brilliantly exciting!
“I spent a lot of the time on the King’s Road, getting picked up by whatever flash car came by.”
Does Arlene Phillips have any children?
Arlene’s first daughter Alana was born in 1979 following a fling with a model on a video for the Village People she choreographed.
Arlene shares her second daughter Abi with Angus. She experienced prejudice for becoming pregnant with Abi aged 47.
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Arlene explained to Good Housekeeping magazine: “[I was told] I was some kind of freak, that I would find it hard to bond with my baby when I could be the grandmother.”
She added: “Nowadays, being an older mother is very common. When you let all those things go you see the absolute joy of having a baby when you’re older. You really do feel like you’ve been given a gift.”
What has Arlene Phillips said about appearing on I’m A Celebrity?
Arlene, made a Dame in June of this year, has gushed about her admiration for her fellow celeb contestants.
She said: “I still can’t believe I am doing it, either. But I love and admire everybody who has done the show.
“I admire their bravery and I have spoken to so many people who have done it.”
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She also said her ideal campmate is last year’s Queen of the Castle Giovanna Fletcher.
“She is such a lovely, warm person,” Arlene said.
I’m A Celebrity 2021 starts on Sunday November 21 on ITV at 9pm.
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