star Arlene Phillips revealed she misses her co-star "more than ever". The former judge, 81, worked on the show between 2004 - 2008 and was replaced by Alesha Dixon for the next series, but she still holds the show "dear to her heart". Arlene grew close to her late co-star Len Goodman on the show who passed away in 2023 three days before his 79th birthday from prostate cancer that metastasized to his bones.
Talking about Len, Arlene exclusively said: "I didn't find out until very close to his passing just how ill he was, he is missed. I miss him more when Strictly is on than ever because we were the pioneers of the show on the pilot like children linking arms together. He is someone that I will always miss.
" Arlene revealed she "never knew" what the BBC show would become and it "suddenly rocketed and gained a huge following" during its early days. When asked who she thinks will take the trophy home this year, she answered: "I'm always asked this at an early stage and you never know because it can be the worst dancer and the public just falls in love with that person. "Then it can be the best couple you've ever seen but that doesn't mean they're gonna win.
It's about connecting with the viewers. It's about that little bit of magic that makes the audience fall in love with you." Arlene spoke to Daily Star at the Pride of Britain Awards which she said she "loves" going to every year.
She commented: "Every year when you come here it makes me humble because you are watching true h.
