FROM the sublime – Rachel Stevens and Jill Halfpenny, to the ridiculous – John Sergeant and Fiona Phillips, Strictly Come Dancing has featured all manner of celebrity dancers.
But Arlene Phillips still has more dream contestants in mind, two of whom could prove the most explosive yet.
"I’d love to see David Tennant on Strictly," says the acid- tongued judge. "He’d be great, I think. And he appeals to all age.
"Failing that, I’d like to see Peter Andre and Jordan. It’s always nice to a have a couple on the show, and I think we’d see some fireworks from them – on and off the dancefloor."
Arlene, 64, hits Liverpool tonight for the Strictly Come Dancing live tour at the Echo Arena, bringing with her some of its best-loved dancers, including this year’s winner Holby City’s Tom Chambers, Rachel Stevens, Cherie Lunghi, Jodie Kidd and Julian Clary.
"Liverpool is the perfect place for this show," says Arlene, who first found fame with dancing troupe Hot Gossip, in the 70s.
"It has a very strong tradition for ballroom and Latin. I’m from Manchester and used to come to courses at Shelagh Elliott-Clarke school.It was famous around the country.Everyone wanted to come to Liverpool to learn to dance."
The Strictly tour is not Arlene’s only Liverpool project, though. At the end of the month, Arlene also brings Flashdance to the Empire Theatre.
So what can fans of the movie expect from the stage show?
"There are all the songs we know and love," Arlene explains. "But also we've had a lot of new music written, and there's one in the dance school called High Art which is one of my favourite moments in the show.
"Of course, What a Feeling is very touching and moving in the lead character's final audition."
"It is a musical that should be seen by everybody," Arlene adds. "It's so full of hope and that's what everybody wants right now."
As for the Strictly phenomenon, Arlene is already looking forward to another series of the show. She says: "It has completely changed my life."
* STRICTLY Come Dancing The Live Tour is at the Echo Arena tonight. To book tickets Call the box office on 0844 8000 400. or visit www.accliverpool.com
Flashdance is at the Liverpool Empire from January 26-31. Call 0844 847 2525 for tickets.
