Dame Arlene Phillips has broken her silence on Strictly Come Dancing's new presenting trio, suggesting their appointment could add to the show's chaos. The former judge, 83, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming series, which will see Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe take over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Arlene, who served on the judging panel from 2004 to 2008, told the Mirror: "Three's a crowd, don't they say? It was chaotic enough before. Who knows what it's going to be like now? It's going to be interesting, that's for sure." She added that she expected the series to be "fun" and said she "can't wait to see the madness - and there will be madness."
The choreographer expressed particular concern about Johannes Radebe, the professional dancer who has been a fan favourite since joining in 2018. "I know Johannes really well - I love him, I adore him," she said. "But he dances so brilliantly that it will be a big loss to the show if he won't dance with them again."
Arlene described Emma Willis, who has presented shows including Big Brother and Love Is Blind UK, as "lovely", but admitted she did not know Josh Widdicombe. The hosting overhaul follows the departure of Tess and Claudia after more than two decades, and comes alongside the axing of five long-serving pros: Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
When asked if she would ever return to the judging panel, Arlene replied: "No, no, no, no, no. I'm sure they miss me, though." She was made a Dame in 2021 for services to dance and charity.
