Strictly judge axed

According to reports, Arlene Phillips has been axed from this year's...

13:39 18 June 2009

 

Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has been axed from this year's ballroom dancing show.

According to The Sun, Phillips has been given the boot by BBC bosses after top level talks.

A show source told the paper: "It's nothing personal against Arlene she's been brilliant.

"But the bosses want to bring in younger viewers - the 16 to 34-year-olds that X Factor mops up."

The source added the former Strictly contestant Alisha Dixon would be a "perfect replacement" to make the show more appealing and glamorous.

A BBC spokeswoman 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."
 
Phillips has been with the show since it launched in 2004 but received some criticism last year for her opinions on TV newsman John Sergeant who was a huge hit with viewers.