Strictly’s Arlene Phillips is made a Dame Commander of the British Empire by Princess Anne

Arlene Phillips has been made a Dame Commander of the British Empire.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 78, was presented with the honour for services to dance and charity by Princess Anne, 71, at Windsor Castle, on Tuesday. 

Dame Arlene was preened to perfection for the occasion in a chic fitted midi dress boasting a subtle check, which she teamed with a classic pair of heels.

Dame! Dame Arlene Phillips, 78, has been made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday

Dame Arlene Phillips is a staple of the worlds of dance, theatre and television.

She was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing from the show’s first season in 2004 until 2008.

Dame Arlene was head judge on Strictly before she was let go from her role aged 64, and replaced in 2009 by Alesha Dixon, who was 35 years her junior. 

In the wake of the panel switch-up, the BBC received more than 1,350 complaints, mostly accusations of ageism.

Talented: Dame Arlene is a staple of the worlds of dance, theatre and television

Talented: Dame Arlene is a staple of the worlds of dance, theatre and television

Long career: Dame Arlene was head judge on Strictly before she was let go from her role aged 64, and replaced in 2009 by Alesha Dixon, who was 35 years her junior

Long career: Dame Arlene was head judge on Strictly before she was let go from her role aged 64, and replaced in 2009 by Alesha Dixon, who was 35 years her junior 

What a moment! The Strictly Come Dancing star was presented with the honour for services to dance and charity by Princess Anne, 71

What a moment! The Strictly Come Dancing star was presented with the honour for services to dance and charity by Princess Anne, 71

The world-renowned choreographer later admitted she regretted not fighting the BBC for an apology after they axed her.

Dame Arlene first found fame when she created the provocative dance group Hot Gossip in 1974.

She later choreographed for some of the West End and Broadway’s biggest shows, including Grease, Starlight Express, We Will Rock You, The Wizard Of Oz, The Sound Of Music, Saturday Night Fever and Flashdance.

Gorgeous: Dame Arlene was preened to perfection for the occasion in a chic fitted midi dress boasting a subtle check, which she teamed with a classic pair of heels

Gorgeous: Dame Arlene was preened to perfection for the occasion in a chic fitted midi dress boasting a subtle check, which she teamed with a classic pair of heels

Dame Arlene also competed in the most recent series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and was the first contestant to be eliminated from Gwrych Castle in North Wales.  

Most recently, the former professional dancer appeared as a guest judge on ITV skating show Dancing On Ice. 

Her investiture ceremony comes as the Queen, who is experiencing mild cold-like symptoms after catching coronavirus, is self-isolating at the Berkshire residence. 

Delighted: The world-renowned choreographer looked delighted as her medal was pinned on

Delighted: The world-renowned choreographer looked delighted as her medal was pinned on

Sue Barker, 65, also picked up up her CBE at Windsor Castle and admitted she would ‘much rather’ interview the finalists of the Wimbledon tennis championships.

The presenter, best known for leading the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, was given her CBE for services to sport, broadcasting and charity by the Duke of Cambridge.

She spoke of feeling ‘incredibly honoured’ at the award, which ‘means the world’ to her family.

Congratulations! Sue Barker, 65, also picked up up her CBE at Windsor Castle and admitted she would 'much rather' interview the finalists of the Wimbledon tennis championships

Congratulations! Sue Barker, 65, also picked up up her CBE at Windsor Castle and admitted she would ‘much rather’ interview the finalists of the Wimbledon tennis championships

Sue told the PA news agency: ‘It’s just been amazing to be recognised in this way. This morning I was absolutely terrified. I would much rather walk on Centre Court and interview the winner or even the loser of Wimbledon than be here.

‘But they make you feel so welcome, and His Royal Highness was absolutely delightful and lovely to talk to and just made you feel so much at ease.

‘So all those nerves building up just went, and you just have a conversation, he’s just so easy to talk to.’

Making memories: The presenter, best known for leading the BBC's Wimbledon coverage, was given her CBE for services to sport, broadcasting and charity by the Duke of Cambridge

Making memories: The presenter, best known for leading the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage, was given her CBE for services to sport, broadcasting and charity by the Duke of Cambridge