Arlene Phillips, a former Strictly Come Dancing judge, has criticised some fans’ “uncomfortable” and “depressingly serious” behavior in the run-up to the final, defending contestants.
A Strictly Come Dancing judge has spoken out against what she’s branded “unpleasant” and “depressingly serious” behaviour from some fans, as the glitterball showdown edges ever closer.
Arlene Phillips took to social media ahead of the hotly anticipated final to urge viewers to remember what Strictly is really about – entertainment, joy and the love of dance – rather than bitterness and online pile-ons.
Sharing a photo of this year’s finalists; Amber Davies, Karen Carney and George Clarke, the legendary choreographer didn’t hold back as she addressed the backlash that has surrounded the series.
Arlene began by joking about the topsy-turvy finale of “Thinking about @bbcstrictly” before adding a pointed reminder.
“I wish everyone would remember that this is an entertaining show.” It has gotten so unsettling and depressingly serious online.
The former Strictly judge, who served on the panel for six years, then addressed one of the show’s most contentious topics head-on: contestants with previous dance training.
“Sometimes it seems people forget the @ BBC invites these contestants, all with a mixture of dance histories, they don’t just wander into the competition,” she wrote. “There have always been contestants with some dance training taking part. At what level, it varies.”
Arlene made it clear that she thinks the criticism’s tone has crossed the threshold in recent years, saying that it must stop “because the bitterness that is currently being felt by those taking part exceeds anything that has ever existed.”
Pointing to past seasons, she reminded fans that prior experience doesn’t guarantee victory. “It’s not even the case that those with prior training always results in a winner,” she said, referencing Layton Williams. “One of the best dancers – he didn’t win but he was fabulous to watch.”
The dance veteran praised the world-class choreographers who create the routines week after week while also shining a light on the creative team behind the scenes. Strictly has always had a simple heart, according to Arlene. The enjoyment of dancing and learning Latin dance styles should be the focus of each season, she said.
Arlene was eager to celebrate the contributions that each of the finalists made to the table. Amber Davies, who has a background in musical theater, received a lot of support.
“Yes, Amber is a triple threat, and she’s brilliant and knowledgeable about her work,” Arlene wrote. The abuse she has received is “completely unfair and shocking,” she said.
She also praised Karen Carney and George Clarke, calling them “firecrackers” who “are genuinely deserving” of their place in the final, and thanked the professional dancers who contributed to the production of the routines.
Arlene pleaded for unity as the final looms. She urged, “Tonight, let’s celebrate all of them.” “Put our love into the atmosphere and remember to #BeKind for the upcoming season.”
One thing seems certain: Strictly may be a competition, but for Arlene Phillips, it should never lose its sparkle, with emotions high and the glitterball within touching distance.
