In a revealing new interview, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has shared her candid thoughts about the current hosting lineup of the beloved BBC dance competition. The legendary choreographer, who served on the judging panel from 2004 to 2008, didn't hold back when discussing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's chemistry on screen.
The Verdict on Today's Presenting Duo
Phillips, now 81, observed that while both presenters are accomplished professionals, their on-screen dynamic lacks the spontaneous spark that made earlier series so electric. "There's a certain polished perfection to their delivery," she noted, "but sometimes I find myself missing those unscripted moments of genuine connection that used to light up the studio."
Reflecting on Strictly's Evolution
The renowned choreographer, who was famously replaced on the judging panel by Alesha Dixon in 2009, spoke fondly of her time on the show while acknowledging how much the format has evolved. "The production values are extraordinary now, and the dancing has reached incredible heights," she acknowledged. "But with that growth comes a different kind of energy - more controlled, more predictable."
What Makes Compelling Television?
Phillips emphasised that her comments weren't meant as criticism but rather as observation about the nature of live television entertainment. "The magic of Strictly has always been its ability to balance professional excellence with human vulnerability," she explained. "When you lose that sense of anything-can-happen spontaneity, you risk losing part of what made the show special in the first place."
The Legacy Continues
Despite her reservations about certain aspects of the current format, Phillips remains an ardent supporter of the programme that brought ballroom dancing back into the British mainstream. "However it evolves, Strictly will always have a place in the nation's heart," she concluded. "It's brought joy to millions and launched countless dancing careers - that's an achievement worth celebrating."
