MP calls for Strictly judge return

Harman told of her disgust in the House of Commons...

08:44 17 July 2009

Government minister Harriet Harman has asked the BBC to reinstate Arlene Phillips to her position as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

Harman expressed her disgust, accusing the BBC of age discrimination after replacing 66-year-old Phillips with singer and former Strictly champion Alesha Dixon, 30.

Harman told the House of Commons: "I think it's absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

"And as Equality Minister, I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there.

"So I'd like to take the opportunity of telling the BBC - it is not too late, we want Arlene Phillips in the next edition of Strictly."

Fans of Strictly has also expressed their disgust at Phillips being axed, with hundreds signing up to groups online such as the Facebook group Keep Arlene Phillips On Strictly Come Dancing.

Phillips will instead host a Strictly slot on 'The One Show'.