Michelle Visage wants new dance show with Arlene Phillips

26 May 2020

Michelle Visage wants to create a new dance competition with Arlene Phillips.

Michelle Visage

The 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star - who took part in 'Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 - would love to join forces with the former judge to create a new show with both of them on the panel.

Speaking on 'Good Morning Britain' on Tuesday (26.05.20), co-host Charlotte Hawkins - who appeared on 'Strictly' in 2017 - told Michelle: "I've got to talk to you Michelle about 'Strictly' because you were there last year and I was there a couple of years before you.

"I would of liked Arlene as a judge, how about you?"

Michelle, 51, replied: "Oh, I love Arlene! She knows how much I love her, every time I see her I like to give her a great big cuddle.

"She's smart a whip, she is so talented and I would love to be judged by Arlene. We'll start another competition, Arlene. I'll judge with you this time."

Charlotte added: "That's an idea! There you go."

The BBC One Latin and ballroom dance competition is in talks to make some changes to this year's competition due to social distancing rules with older contestants having to drop out as they are more at risk of the contagious respiratory disease.

However, Arlene - whose departure from the show in 2008 caused speculation that the BBC discriminated older women - thinks it's "hard" on those who can't join in as she remains fit and healthy in her 70s.

The 77-year-old star said: "I find that really hard. I'm over 70 and I feel I'm fit. I do so much to stay fit, to stay healthy, to stay active. I dieted until the cows come home for my health."

Arlene was devastated when she was axed from the popular dancing competition and replaced with Alesha Dixon, and the panel revamp sparked debate everywhere as the BBC received 951 complaints about its decision to replace her.

It was even discussed in the House of Commons by the Minister for Women Harriet Harman.

Speaking in 2018, Arlene admitted: "I've never really been given a real reason [as to why I was axed]. I don't think I will ever know the answer."