AXED Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has backed her replacement Alesha Dixon.
The 66-year-old choreographer’s departure from the BBC1 show after six series provoked accusations of ageism.
She said: “Look, you know – it’s hard.
“Alesha’s lovely and she’s a lovely dancer. What more can I say?
“I’m passionate about dance and I was passionate about the show.”
Phillips will remain under contract with the BBC this year as a Strictly expert on The One Show.
Her pal Richard Stilgoe, Vanessa Feltz, ex-Blue Peter host Valerie Singleton and Labour’s deputy leader Harriet Harman claim she is a victim of age discrimination.
However, the BBC has said age had “nothing to do” with its decision.
Source: sundaymail.co.uk