Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips who was dropped by the BBC 'for being too old' is invited BACK to front up a new show (about getting old)

  • Arlene Phillips, 73, was one of the original judges on Strictly Come Dancing
  • In 2009, she was replaced by the younger Alesha Dixon - sparking an ageism row
  • She has now been asked the BBC to front up a new show about getting old  

By ABE HAWKEN FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, who was dropped by the BBC which sparked an ageism row, has been invited back to star in a new show - about getting old.

The 73-year-old was one of the original members on the hit dancing show in 2004 but was replaced by the much younger singer Alesha Dixon in 2009.

The controversial announcement resulted in uproar and even prompted Labour MP Harriet Harman to raise the issue in the House of Commons.

Arlene Phillips
Alesha Dixon

Arlene Phillips (left) was one of the original judges on Strictly Come Dancing before she was replaced by Alesha Dixon (right) 

Ms Phillips was later moved to a new show, called So You Think You Can Dance, but it was axed after just one series because the ratings were low. 

And now, she is set to front up the BBC's new show which is called Holding Back The Years. 

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull, 60, comedy star Maureen Lipman, 70, TV chef Ainsley Harriott, 59, and broadcaster Angela Rippon, 72, are also taking part in the new series.

Each episode of the BBC1 show, broadcast in the mornings across one week, will see a celebrity explore one issue of getting older from their own perspective. 

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull, 60, and comedy star Maureen Lipman, 70, (pictured) will also feature in the new show 

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull, 60, and comedy star Maureen Lipman, 70, (pictured) will also feature in the new show 

In Holding Back The Years, celebrities will choose a topic, such as relationships, health, well-being, pensions or changing appearance, that interests them.

The BBC said: 'Through meeting inspirational characters, unearthing long-lost archive clips and visiting places that do amazing work helping the elderly, the series seeks to take an uplifting look at a subject often ignored.'

Other new BBC1 daytime titles include quiz show The Boss, hosted by Scottish comedian Susan Calman.

The BBC is also turning the lens on road workers in The A1 Highwaymen, getting builders to pitch for jobs in Getting The Builders In and bringing broken objects 'back to life' in BBC2 show The Repair Shop. 

Strictly Come DancingArlene PhillipsBBC

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