Arlene Phillips recalls Tom Parker's 'sweet' gesture during Grease the Musical
31.03.2022 - 12:07
/ ok.co.uk
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has described The Wanted’s Tom Parker as “sweet and kind”, as she recalled working with him during rehearsals for Grease the Musical. Arlene and Tom, who tragically passed away aged 33 after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour, teamed up in 2017 for a national tour production of the musical based on the iconic film.
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, Arlene, 78, reminisced about their time together, and went on to share the sweet gesture he made as he prepared to make his musical theatre debut playing the show’s lead character Danny Zuko. Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter Describing Tom as a “sweet and kind” man, Arlene told host Charlie Stayt: “In rehearsals in Pimlico, everybody was going across to the deli or [somewhere else] to get their lunches.
“Tom found a chip shop where he had every day chips with curry sauce. I had never had it, and he went out and said, 'I'm getting you chips with curry sauce, you have to have it.' “He brought back this soggy mess for me to eat and it was the first time that someone had run out and bought lunch for me.” The mum of two also spoke of his talent and work ethic, saying she was honoured to choreograph for him.
Arlene explained: “I first worked with him on Grease where he had to do Born to Hand Jive, the biggest dance in the whole of the musical. “He said to me, 'I don't dance' and I said, 'well, you're going to have to!’ And He said, 'well, I'm strong.' “And, actually, what happened is Tom Parker, who really couldn't dance, I think has probably done the best Danny Cha Cha dance of anybody I have ever choreographed for.