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Doctors Called My Pregnancy a ‘Curiosity’ at 47, Says Arlene Phillips

BBG News

Arlene Phillips, the esteemed dancer, shared an account of her experience where medical professionals viewed her as a unique case during her childbirth at age 47. Remarkably, one hospital inquired whether their trainees could observe her pregnancy for educational purposes.

Previously on Strictly Come Dancing, the judge reminisced about instances where she was frequently advised of the risks associated with pregnancy at her advanced stage, and during a parent-infant class, she was informed that forming a connection with her baby might prove challenging for her.

During a conversation on the It Can’t Just Be Me podcast, the 81-year-old expressed: ‘All the people I interacted with were filled with enthusiasm and joy.’

The main issue I encountered was being disparaged by the medical field due to my age, as they repeatedly emphasized the perceived risks.

The choreographer recalled being asked by a hospital if students could observe her pregnancy.

At one location, I was inquired about my preferred hospital. They posed the question, “Since there are 12 students here, would it be possible for us to record and follow their journey from now until delivery? Is that alright with you?” she asked.

At that moment, the woman with two daughters – Alana, aged 45, and Abi, 33 – was making preparations for her upcoming journey to Hollywood, as she had been invited for a movie undertaking.

She said: ‘Listen, I’m not even ready to have this baby, I’m still getting it in my head.’

During the podcast, Anna Richardson expressed surprise about the treatment she had witnessed, saying something along the lines of: “Did they consider you more like a peculiarity or an anomaly?

‘Definitely,’ the dancer replied.

Additionally, she shared that following the delivery, she enrolled in a class designed for mothers and infants to enhance their bond. However, during this session, a scholar discreetly approached her and spoke to her in a low voice.

It’s perfectly normal if you, as a potential grandparent, are finding it challenging to connect with your newborn. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong; it’s just a common experience for some people in your position.

She added: ‘Here am I with my beautiful baby who was everything. I never wanted to put her down.

‘Needless to say, I never went back to the class.’

In 1979, Alana was born to Arlene, who had tied the knot with Danny Noble at her 18th birthday. However, their marriage didn’t last long and they parted ways soon afterward.

In a 2022 Instagram post, the choreographer and dancer fondly remembered her pregnancy with her oldest child, Alana, on her 43rd birthday. She posted a picture from Alana’s childhood, where she wore a ballet tutu, symbolizing her dance career.

1979 found me learning I was pregnant, simultaneously preparing to choreograph a major Hollywood production. To my delight, a two-week break in filming coincided with my baby’s due date. Like a determined trooper, I journeyed from New York back to Los Angeles for the birth. Postpartum, I was ready to dive into a twelve-week stint of filming.

Ever since she arrived, this baby has been a source of immense joy for me. Today, I extend the warmest birthday wishes to her and express my heartfelt gratitude.

In a 2011 interview with the Daily Mail, shared with Alana, Arlene openly discussed that during her eldest child’s early stages, she acted as a more assertive or involved mother.

Regardless of whether it was my aspiration to excel as a dancer despite not being the most naturally gifted, or my ambition to rank among the world’s top choreographers, I have consistently been motivated.

However, my focus has shifted towards nurturing my daughter, and I have strong convictions about the kind of person I wish her to become.

It’s possible that deep down, I had a desire to prove I was capable of accomplishing what a traditional two-parent family can, too.

It wasn’t until her encounter with her current partner, Angus Ion, in 1985 (when Alana was six) that she became aware of the extent to which she had been overburdening her young daughter.

In relation to Angus, she mentioned that he is very relaxed and advised me to ease up a bit when it comes to being a parent at the beginning of our relationship.

Arlene and Angus went on to have daughter Abi.

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2025-02-13 00:50

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