Axed Strictly judge Arlene Phillips demands answers from BBC over her surprise sacking

ARLENE Phillips has launched an investigation into her sacking — 11 years after the BBC axed her from Strictly.

The judge was replaced by show winner Alesha Dixon in 2009 amid an ageism row.

She has used information laws to dig out documents about her departure, which was even discussed in the Commons when Harriet Harman called for the BBC to reinstate her.

Choreographer Arlene, 76, said: “I’ve got the Freedom of Information and looking at the chaotic way that led up to it was shocking. Most is redacted.

“There’s some information there and even that’s chaotic, let alone what was redacted from the report.”

Arlene believes other departing judges may have been treated more fairly.

She added: “Nowadays, they could have given me the chance to resign or build a story around it. I didn’t have a contract that automatically rolled on to the next year, but I think it was handled so poorly.

“You then never forget those moments of turmoil.”

Arlene wants to set up a counselling group for celebs who have fallen from fame.

She told the Sod’s Law Podcast: “I think those people can struggle. As you age, or even when you’re young, the next group come along, then the next.

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One minute you’re the focus of everyone’s attention, the next you are nowhere and pushed out of the way.

“It’s very hard to deal with and I know what that feels like.”

The BBC declined to comment but has always denied Arlene’s exit was due to age.