Strictly Come Dancing fans awoke today to shock news that Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips will not be returning to our screens in 2009 and may be replaced by former champion Alesha Dixon!
I cannot believe this, I really love Arlene and the show just wouldn’t be the same without her.
I know the BBC want to inject some glamour into the show to rival the x factor but I think that is ridiculous. The Strictly Come Dancing format works so why change it?
A BBC spokesman said: “We can’t confirm anything about the new series of Strictly yet, but we are always looking at ways to maximise viewers’ enjoyment of our shows.”
Asked about the reports, Miss Dixon told Sky News: “There is always speculation. Two months ago they were reporting that I was going to take over from Brucie.
“But once you are part of Strictly Come Dancing, you are part of the family and I do feel that about the show.
“It it wasn’t for Strictly I wouldn’t be here because it really has changed my life.”
Miss Philips has been with the show since it launched in 2004 — but came under fire last year for criticising television reporter John Sergeant.