Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips reunited with two of its professional dancers to create hit stage show Midnight Tango, which returns to the county this week. She spoke to Kathryn Tye about surviving four decades in showbusiness, her delight at meeting the Queen and why she won’t be going back to Strictly.

Arlene Phillips may have turned 70 in May, but she certainly has no intention of putting her feet up.

She is busier than ever, working on a variety of projects including Midnight Tango, which returns to Kent this week following a sell-out run last year.

Starring and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing professionals Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, the show is set in a late-night bar in downtown Buenos Aires, and sees the pair command the floor with some explosive routines. They are joined on stage by some of the finest tango dancers in the world, with music performed by a live band featuring vocalist Miguel Angel.

The show has been a huge success, seen by almost 500,000 people since it first went on the road just over two years ago, something which producer Arlene attributes to the story at its heart.

“I think the show is very different to what audiences will have seen before. It is very passionate, very dramatic, but it is a tango show with a complete story. It isn’t just dance, there is comedy and high emotion, something for everyone.”

Although an experienced director and choreographer, it was Arlene’s first time as a producer. She got involved after being contacted by former colleague Adam Spiegel, who produced the 1998 West End production of Saturday Night Fever which she directed and choreographed.

She said: “Adam said he wanted to do a dance show and was thinking of using Vincent and Flavia and asked me to co-produce it. Vincent and Flavia, who I absolutely love, have always been my little pets. I recommended them for Strictly Come Dancing as I thought they were so fabulous. They aren’t just dancers they are true storytellers, and their ability to tell stories has grown and grown through this. It sets them apart.”

The show is on its final tour, but Arlene still regularly visits the production as it tours the country, and is hoping to see it in Kent.

She said: “I like to go in and see the show and see the performers and keep my eye on it.”

It is typical of her dedicated work ethic, which has seen her achieve huge success during the past four decades since first finding fame in the 1970s with her risqué dance troupe Hot Gossip.

Since then Arlene has worked non-stop as a choreographer and director in film, stage and TV, working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, and even writing a series of children’s books.

She gained a new generation of fans when she became a judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, before being controversially axed in favour of younger judge Alesha Dixon in 2009, an experience she seems to have taken in her stride.

“When I first created Hot Gossip I was constantly on television and talking about the group. I had been there before so I knew that sort of thing is fleeting. I was ready for it when Strictly came along.

“I loved being a judge on the show, but would I go back on it? The likelihood of them asking me is nil so it’s not something I think about.”

And as she prepares to travel the world later this year with new productions of We Will Rock You and the Wizard of Oz in America and Starlight Express opening in Hong Kong, what is the 70-year-old’s top tip for remaining so vibrant and full of energy?

She said: “I have always been feisty and fiery and ready for anything. I’m just hoping that it continues. Eat well, exercise and you will be fine.”

Midnight Tango is at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from Monday, July 15 to Saturday, July 20. Tickets from £18. Call 01227 787787.