The Stage Interviews Arlene And Len

This week's issue of The Stage features interviews with Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman.

Len says he was about to retire when Strictly Come Dancing came knocking: “The producers interviewed loads of dance teachers from all styles of dance and I was one of the last interviewed. I got the job two weeks before the show started. The first show was on my 60th birthday, so I was on the way to retiring and taking it easy. Little did I know that this would come along and take over my life. It has been a marvellous experience.”

Arlene says she is a choreographer first, TV celebrity second: "My television appearances are almost my hobby - something you can do on a Saturday afternoon. I am serious about it, but I have never lost sight of what I actually do, which is choreography and direction.”