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The friend added that Arlene is a showbiz superstar whose charm and dancing skills helped encourage others to get on their feet.
MailOnline has approached representatives of Arlene Phillips for comment.
Dame Arlene Philips: Arlene was awarded an OBE in 2001 and then a CBE in 2013, and now is set to become a Dame. Pictured: Arlene in 2013 after receiving her CBE
After creating the dance group Hot Gossip in the 1970s, Arlene went on to work on West End and Broadway musicals.
She became a household name in 2004 as a founding judge on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, before she was replaced by singer Alesha Dixon in 2009 – a move that sparked an ageism row.