...with Arlene Phillips

Julian Clary has ambitions to write a West End musical with sacked Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

The pair met when the comic was a contestant on the dance show two years ago – and says his experience in West End show Cabaret could help him.

‘Being in Cabaret for seven months was a stretch for someone who can’t sing or dance,’ he told the News Of The World. ‘There’s a lot of time waiting around, so I started analysing how musicals work, how they'’re constructed. That’s why I think I could write one, though I don't know what about yet.

‘I spent a lot of time with Arlene during the Strictly Live tour, and she said if I had an idea, to let her know and she'd help out. That was very encouraging.

‘Writing a musical might be a step too far, but I think I might be able to do it.’

Clary, 50, is currently touring his stand-up show Lord Of The Mince, his first for five years.

Published: 11 Oct 2009