Arlene Phillips, who acted as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing from the beginning until 2008, has said she’s “not sure” about The Greatest Dancer title. The English choreographer shared her thoughts on the new BBC programme, which concludes tonight, at the press night for Heartbeat Of Home in London yesterday. The 75-year-old said she hasn’t been watching the show, which sees mentors Cheryl, Strictly’s Oti Mabuse and Matthew Morrison share their views. “I didn’t really catch up with The Greatest Dancer,” she said, in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.
Arlene then commented: “From what I know and the things I’ve seen, it’s been a wonderful experience for all the dancers.
“The word ‘greatest’… I’m not sure, because I know some dancers who are mind-blowing… not all better but I’ll just say mind-blowing.
“Whether they would be right for it, I don’t know.”
When asked if she thought it was “overrated”, Arlene disagreed: “It’s a joy to a lot of people.
“It’s a joy to the performers who are on it, to the audiences. I think anything that people can find as a way to get into dance is important.”
She then stated: “It doesn’t matter how that happens, from amateur dancing in halls – it doesn’t matter.
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“People fall in love with dance and however you get there, that’s good enough for me.”
The Greatest Dancer will finish tonight with remaining acts Harry and Eleiyah, James and Oliver, Ellie Fergusson and KLA hoping to triumph.
BBC pro Oti is the only team captain to have two acts remaining, following last week’s eliminations.
But, bookmaker Coral has made Cheryl the favourite, at 4-6, to be the winning captain.
She has fan favourites Harry and Eleiyah, who scored 97 per cent in their semi-final, and look set to win.
A spokesperson said: “Harry and Eleiyah were sensational last weekend and their 97 per cent last weekend means it would be a surprise if they weren’t crowned the winners of the show.
“That puts Cheryl on the brink of being the winning captain of the first ever Greatest Dancer and she’s odds on to do just that in our book.”
Arlene was replaced by Alesha Dixon for the seventh series of Strictly 10 years ago, when she joined then-guest judge for that run, Dame Darcey Bussell, as well as Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.
For Heartbeat Of Home tickets, please visit lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/heartbeat-of-home/.
The Greatest Dancer concludes tonight at 7.10pm on BBC One.