Soap star slams Strictly axe

Emmerdale actress Amanda Donohoe has expressed her anger...

11:55 24 June 2009

Emmerdale actress Amanda Donohoe has expressed her anger at the BBC's decision to axe Strictly judge Arlene Phillips.

The actress, who plays Natasha Wylde in the ITV soap, was infuriated that Phillips is said to be replaced by former Strictly contestant Alisha Dixon to add more glamour to contest.

Donohoe said during an interview on This Morning: "Why not add another judge sure.

"But to remove a woman of her experience is insulting to the audience"

This Morning presenters Fern Britton and Phillip Scofield backed her comments and even went to on seemingly offer Phillips a job on the daytime TV sow.

Britton said: "Hear, hear. Arlene, come and see us." Phillips added, referring to a seat next to him: "You can be a judge. You can sit here."

Reports surfaced that Philips is set to be dropped from the next series of the show and replaced to attract a younger audience.

However 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."