Former
Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has praised the NHS , citing an “emergency” she had whilst living in America. The 80-year-old choreographer appeared on ITV ’s Lorraine on Tuesday, April 2, chatting to host Christine Lampard about The Newfound Hope Show, which is an NHS West End tribute gala. The show – which supports 230 charities, according to Arlene – features a slew of famous faces including Celebrity Big Brother star Marisha Wallace and Alfie Boe. Arlene has a special reason for caring about the NHS though. Christine asked her: “You spend a lot of time in America, for instance, and live there as well, Arlene. It's not until you live somewhere else that you fully appreciate what the NHS is in this country, isn't it?” Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on
Apple or
Android . READ MORE: TOWIE's James Argent admits to on-going weight battle after gastric sleeve op READ MORE: Celebrity Big Brother's Ekin-Su says 'I lost myself' as she breaks silence after TV meltdown “Absolutely,” Arlene replied. “I was in America when I was pregnant and working on a film and needed emergency treatment. And the first thing that I was asked as I was waiting on the trolley before I went in for them to discover what was wrong was to give them my credit card. And you suddenly realised, I can do that. So many people can't. What do they do? So we are to be so grateful to the NHS.” Elsewhere in the interview, Arlene, who has two children, described her two granddaughters as her “driving force”. “I was working over bank holiday weekend, and then they came to see the rehearsal yesterday. I just thought, how lucky I am to have my grandchildren there and be rehearsing all these new young graduates in the show. It's so life-affirming,” she gushed. To many people Arlene will best be remembered as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. She appeared on the show between 2004 and 2008 before being replaced by Alesha Dixon. Lorraine airs on ITV1 and ITVX at 9am on weekdays. You can keep up to date with the latest TV and showbiz news by signing up to the newsletter here .