Strictly Come Dancing 2011 – All the News & Gossip Series 9 Contestants - All you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing UK 2011
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Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon are both set to return to Strictly Come Dancing next year

There had been speculation the pair might be replaced – but TV Biz can reveal negotiations have already begun to sign them up.

Brucie, who turns 82 next year, has come in for stick from some viewers for his old-fashioned jokes and presentation. Ratings also went up when he missed a week because he had flu last month.

But insiders say executives will never sack Brucie – because the backlash would be worse than when 66-year-old judge Arlene Phillips was given the boot. The only way Brucie might not front next year’s series is if he chooses to step down – and that does not look likely.

An insider said: “Brucie is so linked with the show that bosses would never get rid of him. “Despite some criticism from viewers that he is too old, there would be a huge backlash if he was sacked. “No executive would want to be the one who got rid of Brucie.”

Head judge Len Goodman also threw his backing behind Brucie yesterday. He said: “He’s an integral part of the show.

“He gets criticised because some of his jokes are corny but he’s got to entertain six to 80-year-olds.

“It’s difficult to think of someone else who could do that.”

Alesha is also set to return for next year’s series despite suggestions she might prefer to concentrate on her music career.

There had been speculation that Arlene could return in her place, but the choreographer is now concentrating on her new BBC1 show So You Think You Can Dance, which launches next month.

It is understood Alesha hasn’t yet signed on the dotted line – but BBC bosses want her back and she also wants to return.

Strictly tried out Darcey Bussell as a fifth judge on Saturday – but the arrangement is not expected to be made permanent as the former ballerina now lives in Australia.

The insider said: “Both Brucie and Alesha will be back next year.

“Strictly wouldn’t be Strictly without Brucie. And bosses have already been talking to Alesha about a plan for next year.”

Source: the sun

  • Joyce

    I gave up on this year’s Strictly – couldn’t stand Alesha or the changed dynamic of the judges or the unfair way in which Arlene was treated. Along with thousands of others I’ve voiced my views but the BBC seem blind and deaf to these views. Strictly figures fall & X factors increase I am sure the Alesha/Arlene factor has had a large part to play. But will the BBC change its mind? I doubt it – that would be to admit they were wrong – after all what do viewers opinions count for – we only pay the licence fee!!!!

  • Julie

    I wont watch again if Alesha is on the panel – she’s driven me made this series. She has no qualification to judge – how must the professionals feel? After all, they are qualified dancers. Good to see Darcy giving proper judgment. Couldn’t she be kept on or bring Arlene back or have Camilla Dallerup or Karen Hardy on the panel – but Alesha!! oh, please, no more.

  • Tony

    I haven’t missed a minute of any Strictly series including the current one, and don’t intend to. IT’S GREAT! I think that Bruno is my favourite judge and I love the way he and Len hit it off. They should have their own show! Another who should is Claudia who is wonderfully entertaining on her ‘It Takes Two’ show and she was great standing in when Brucie was sick. As for Brucie, he should be kept on until he’s had enough. As for the future of the show, I wonder if there will ever be a section of Old Tyme Dancing. That would be facinating!

  • frannie

    PLease, No more Alesha! She has been such a major turn off for me – every time she is on I switch over to x-factor. Why cannot the BBC admit it made a truly dreadful mistake in having her on? She has been a complete disaster and has ruined the show for me and thousands of others. The inclusion of Darcy Bussell was just embarassing and pointless – what is the BBC thinking of? The TV audience for Strictly is intelligent and perceptive, and we nearly all are in agreement that the inclusion of these two females are totally adverse to the spirit of the show, and a severe detriment. For God\’s sake BBC, LISTEN to your fee paying audience for once, and not your useless focus groups who clearly know nothing about popular entertainment. GET RID of Alesha, a has been singer, and never again even consider someone like Darcy – a has been ballerina.

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