Profile of a Celebrity Food Lover... Arlene Phillips

Arlene Philips

Arlene Phillips is internationally renowned as a jazz and musical theatre choreographer, having worked on some of the biggest selling musicals in West End and Broadway theatre and a number of successful films; she is a multiple Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee.

In the 1970’s Arlene first became a household name as the director and choreographer of British dance troupe Hot Gossip, and is recently well-known as a prominent member of the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel.

What’s your favourite leftover meal?

Bubble and Squeak.
What’s your favourite cookery book?

Cook Simple by Diana Henry.
What’s the best food tip your mum or grandmother gave you?

To make Chicken Soup when you are ill.
If you had to eat one type of food for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Salad. It's tasty, filling and you don't put on weight!
What’s the most unusual food item that you freeze?

Mint (for tea).
If you could save one type of food so it could never go off what would it be?

Tuna Sashimi.
What’s your signature dish?

I don't cook, but I make the best salad dressing in the world.
What’s your best tip for using up food left in the fridge?

Don't be afraid to mix and match and keep it in an air tight box.
What’s your strangest food combination?

Toast, cheese and jam.
If you were stuck on a desert island and could take one meal with you, what would you choose?

Salad nicoise.
The average household with kids wastes £540 a year on food that they then just throw away. What would you do with that money?

Give it to those that need food to survive, not as a luxury to be thrown away.
What’s the one recipe you have passed onto your ids?

A good spaghetti sauce.
What kind of food did your kids leave on their plates the most?

Meat.
How did you encourage your kids to eat everything you served them?

Serving kids small portions and making sure they don't snack in-between meals ensures they are hungry when they come to the table.