Julian Clary to pen musical with Phillips

Comic Julian Clary has revealed that he is planning to write a musical with help from Arlene Phillips.

The star said that he was inspired to work on a theatre production after starring in Cabaret for seven months.

"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," he told the News of the World.

"I spent a lot of time with Arlene [Phillips] 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 finished third with Erin Boag on the 2004 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The stand-up, who is currently touring his show 'Lord Of The Mince', also admitted that he was disappointed that Phillips had been removed from the Strictly judging panel this year.

"I was very upset when Arlene got forced out," he added. "She was tough on us contestants, but there was wisdom to her comments. Her criticism was constructive."