'I didn't think about age until I turned 80'

Dame Arlene Phillips on her star-studded career, ageing and why she wants to have an impact on her grandchildren’s lives

- JULIE ANN TRAINOR

She turned 81 in May, but rather than take her foot off the pedal, Dame Arlene Phillips is still in demand, having picked up her first-ever Olivier Award in April this year.

Despite having been a nominee several times in the past, it was her choreography for the West End musical Guys and Dolls that saw her take the prestigious accolade with James Cousins, proving it's never too late to chase your dreams.

Reflecting on the recent honour - which was presented by singer Michael Ball- she beams to Woman's Weekly, 'We're thrilled. I think of awards as a ribbon on a gift, and I feel very lucky and in an amazing position to still be working at my age. I truly think it's waking up in the morning and loving what you do. I just carry on with that frame of mind and until something comes along to really stunt that, why not?' she maintains.

Along with her illustrious stage career spanning over four decades, Arlene is also a proud mum to daughters Alana, 45, and Abi, 33, and a doting grandmother to Lila Primrose, five, and Emme Bow, three, gushing, 'They make my life so full.'

In addition to her extensive theatre work, fans will warmly remember her high-profile TV role as one of Strictly Come Dancing's original judges.

There at the start of the long-running BBC series in 2004, the Manchester native graced the panel alongside the late Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli, before bowing out four years later. And although she has fond memories of the show, she has no desire to return.