Arlene Phillips Reflects on Caregiving Struggles Amid Heartbreak

Dame Arlene Phillips, the creative director of *Strictly Come Dancing*, has shared her personal journey through grief and caregiving. At 82, she continues to be a dynamic figure in the dance world, currently involved in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Starlight Express*. Despite her vibrant career, Phillips has faced significant challenges, including caring for her late parents, which has left an indelible mark on her life.

Reflecting on her experiences, Phillips emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers. “Caring for a loved one is one of the most difficult roles anyone can take on, both mentally and physically,” she stated. Her remarks come during *Caring for Caregivers week*, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the struggles faced by unpaid caregivers in the UK, which numbers around 5.8 million.

The choreographer, known for her work on stage, has always found solace in dance. “Dancing makes you feel good and it has given me an amazing life working with some incredible people,” Phillips said, recalling how her passion has been both a source of joy and an escape during tough times.

Phillips’ caregiving journey began in her teenage years when she helped care for her mother, Rita, who was diagnosed with leukaemia. At just 15, she took on responsibilities at home while striving to maintain her own dance ambitions. “I came from a very poor background,” she explained, highlighting her family’s struggles. “When I was 15, my mum got leukaemia… I found it hard going back to school because I’d missed so much. I was lost.”

Rita passed away at the age of 43, just three months after her diagnosis, leaving Phillips with feelings of guilt and regret. “That guilt, which so many carers feel, has stayed with me to this day,” she noted.

Her role as a caregiver resurfaced later in life when her father, Abraham, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “He didn’t want anyone coming in the flat to look after him apart from me,” she recalled. This situation led to a decade of dedicated care, during which Phillips managed her father’s needs while grappling with her own exhaustion. “I was exhausted and broken by it,” she admitted, emphasizing the emotional toll that caregiving can exert.

Research commissioned by supplement brand GOPO® Joint Health reveals that many caregivers face significant health challenges. More than half of caregivers report a decline in their physical or mental health due to their responsibilities. Among these, one in six caregivers indicated they have given up activities they once enjoyed, including dancing.

In light of these findings, Phillips encourages caregivers to prioritize their own well-being. “It is so important to take time to care for yourself when you are caring for a parent or a son or daughter,” she said, recognizing the dual burden that many elderly caregivers face when looking after adult children with disabilities or health issues.

Despite the challenges, Phillips remains committed to her craft and family. She hopes to spend more time with her granddaughters, Lila Primrose and Emme Bow, while also advocating for the *Caring for Caregivers* campaign. “My hope is to raise awareness for the incredible work that unpaid carers do while, at the same time, encourage them to take positive action to improve their own well-being,” she stated.

Phillips carries her mother’s legacy with her, expressing a wish that Rita could witness her accomplishments. “I do wish my mum had been here to see my success,” she reflected, acknowledging that it was Rita’s passion for dance that inspired her own lifelong journey in the art form.

As Dame Arlene Phillips continues to shine in the world of dance, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by caregivers and the importance of self-care in the face of overwhelming responsibilities.