![I want a big 80th birthday PARTY!](https://cdn.magzter.com/1395487445/1662472668/articles/OEwUgJH_P1663300562295/I-WANT-A-BIG-80TH-BIRTHDAY-PARTY.jpg)
While she may be thinking about how to celebrate W her 80th birthday next year, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips doesn't plan on retiring any time soon. The choreographer to the stars, who's worked with everyone from Freddie Mercury to Diana Ross in a showbiz career that has spanned the past five decades, is busier than ever.
As Woman's Weekly catches up with Arlene, she's revelling in the success of The Cher Show, the latest production she directed with the help of fellow Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse, who choreographed it. 'She's a real force to be reckoned with,' Arlene, who was made a Dame last year, says of Oti, who made the decision to leave Strictly this year. 'I enjoyed it. It was a full week of rehearsal, we were working night and day, we were really thrown together.'
However, while Arlene is busy workshopping two new productions due to hit the stage in the near future, she does reveal she's more careful about what she takes on. 'I've not been thinking about retiring,' Arlene admits of her busy schedule, 'but I do think about each choice I make. I have to value it and think it through. There are a number of things I've started to turn down, I don't want to be working flat out. But if something comes along that I've longed to do, I'll do it.'
This story is from the September 13, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 13, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![The joy of REFURBISHED](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/SJcSH0pR11719403425724/THE-JOY-OF-REFURBISHED.jpg)
The joy of REFURBISHED
We've all heard the phrase 'reduce, reuse, recycle', but it's time to add refurbished to the list too
!['You are only as good as your second serve'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/kGc0RGnmC1719403255558/YOU-ARE-ONLY-AS-GOOD-AS-YOUR-SECOND-SERVE.jpg)
'You are only as good as your second serve'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Tennis champion Tim Henman
![Antirrhinums to ZINNIAS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/B3Rf782pC1719402655421/ANTIRRHINUMS-TO-ZINNIAS.jpg)
Antirrhinums to ZINNIAS
Alice loved gardening but was her new job about to be nipped in the bud?
![Glorious GRASSES and BAMBOOS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/-4S-qKgS_1719402391698/GLORIOUS-GRASSES-AND-BAMBOOS.jpg)
Glorious GRASSES and BAMBOOS
Let's hear it for those versatile movers and shakers of the plant world
![BINGO](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/RwD8yinmw1719402081903/BINGO.jpg)
BINGO
We lift the lid on one of Britain's most popular leisure activities
![Nostalgic BAKES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/0KUiYGXIP1719401716701/NOSTALGIC-BAKES.jpg)
Nostalgic BAKES
Try these easy cakes that bring back memories of treats past
![Dining AL FRESCO!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/EfplC9VEE1719400203364/DINING-AL-FRESCO.jpg)
Dining AL FRESCO!
These seasonal dishes are perfect to enjoy when the sun shines
![Unexpected FRIENDSHIPS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/urVjJCGBe1719399635634/UNEXPECTED-FRIENDSHIPS.jpg)
Unexpected FRIENDSHIPS
Three women share their experiences of finding connections in unlikely places
![Nudge yourself SLIMMER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/XUNqpmdCa1719399081462/NUDGE-YOURSELF-SLIMMER.jpg)
Nudge yourself SLIMMER
You don't need a big overhaul or fad diet. Small changes can make a big difference to your weight. Here's how
!['I didn't think about age until I turned 80'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5908/1744729/_eYOmAiaC1719398764991/I-DIDNT-THINK-ABOUT-AGE-UNTIL-I-TURNED-80.jpg)
'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