Radio Times

The hot gossip is that judge Arlene Phillips has been dropped from hit BBC1 series Strictly Come Dancing.

The Sun claims that renowned choreographer Phillips, 66, will be replaced by 30-year-old singer Alesha Dixon - who won the dancing competition in 2007 - in a bid to attract a younger audience to the show.

A BBC spokeswoman refused to confirm the speculation: "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."

Alesha herself 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. If it wasn't for Strictly I wouldn't be here because it really has changed my life."

If reports are true, Dixon, who is currently working on her second solo album, would join Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman on the judging panel when Strictly returns for its seventh series in the autumn.

Do you think Strictly's judging line-up needs to be refreshed? Or are claims that the BBC is planning to replace Arlene Phillips with a younger model just more evidence of an ageist TV world? Post a comment below and let us know.

And don't forget to check out the rest of our great Strictly Come Dancing content, including galleries and blogs.

Arlene had so much experience, why didnt they get rid of one of the other men? boycotted.

How can someone who was a contestant only a few months ago be a qualified judge now? Bring back Arlene. We will watch again once Alesha goes.

Absolutely agree with all that's been said. Alesha is a great singer and dancer, but her voice is awful and her comments are meaningless. Bring back Arlene. I will not watch until Arlene goes.

I really enjoy Defying gravity.

I do not understand why there is such bad reviews, I have seen far worse on television.

I also love the story line, things happen for a reason, fate.

ongrats to the writers and actors, job well done.

Get Arlene back as a judge now, i have boycotted as i wish Alesha would keep her mouth shut.

Arlene was treated disgustingly, she must be returned... the quicker the better. Dixon is very irritating, i have boycotted as i am sick of her meaningless remarks.

Get Arlene back. The show has gone down since Alesha was made a judge. boycotted.

Get Arlene replaced as a judge, Alesha is so annoying i had to use the mute. Boycotted now… wont view again unless Arlene is back.

Its a disgrace, it is sexist and ageist. Get Arlene back and sack Dixon, or i will not came back to view.

Please please bring back Arlene! She was so charming and delightful! I miss her. It is just not the same without her!

Bring back Arlene. Alesha is a deadloss

Bring back Arlene or someone who knows what they are doing. Alesha is very arrogant to the viewers. Switched off from SCD until Alesha goes.

Brucie, Philip Scolfield, most of the newsreaders, Len Goodman etc... grey/white hair, sagging skin and no sex appeal, so why get rid of the ONLY aged woman on strictly? And how 'professional' is Alesha? Love her but can't wait till she's twice her age and the other 3 will probably still be on strictly and she's been replaced! It's not just television, sadly it's real life. Men can date younger models and be championed as a 'stud' but women, unless their rich and/or famous like Madonna, just don't get a look in. I hate this ageism and refuse to watch the one programme I loved to watch in the run down to Xmas. I'll watch it once Brucie has been replaced by one of the fantastic kids on School of Comedy. At least their jokes are funny! Bruce, you are NOT my favourite!!

who gives a damn, sick of women getting places, just because of their beauty! and middle aged women dont do that great in music, come on guys, give us a chance, after all i thought most young guys prefer the older lady!

In my opinion Arlene Phillips is a very good and fair judge,if Alesha has replaced her to attract young people then why not get rid of Len?

bRING bACK aRLENE!

Why does the BBBC not offer Alesha Dixon a seat on the news at 10 in the evenings, because she knows nothing about choreographing and does not have to make samething up ask the script is written for her.

I think Alesha Dixon is a lovely girl and danced beautifully in the last 'Striclty' but to have her judging other dancers is plainly ridiculous. She does not have the experience to advise dancers where and when they are going wrong, they need advice not a pretty face telling them they look good. Bring back Arlene.

All the previous comments were proved absolutely right in last night's show. Alesha is lovely but she is NOT a proefessional dancer and therefore cannot give useful constructive criticism the way Arlene did. Does the BBC not realise that the feisty antics of the previous panel were one of the show's big attractions - 4 PROFESSIONALS expressing their different opinions made for great entertainment and gave the contentants real ideas on how to improve their dancing week by week. If this really is a DANCING competition, use judges who have the qualifications and experience to judge. Pleae BBC, bring back Arlene!

why do the woman always get picked on . experience is needed. what about a nice young host for a change

I'm afraid Arlene was not particularly loyal to the bbc,ref. the john sergeant-touring around the oppositions studios trying to get people to vote him out. she obviously didn't understand who was paying her wages.

You've got to be joking! Alesha is very pretty and a brilliant dancer, but can't see how she is qualified in any way to judge other dancers. It's GOT to be Arlene!!!

I agree with all the writers so I am going to put my money on the "Do Dahs" and swith to another channel. The BBC will soon get the message if we all do this. Come on guys get behind me and just do it!

Television ageism and discrimination against highly professional older women is blatant and discraceful. Alesha is a pretty face who is not likely to contribute anything of real value as she is ill equipped to do so not being a trained dancer herself. Arlene strived to keep the integrity of the show and contributed specific useful instructions to the celebrity dancers to help them improve.

She rightly pointed out that it is a dancing entertainment show, and the best dancers should succeed and not be voted off in favour of characters who have no dance talent. It is not a popularity contest.

Interesting to note that none of the older men have been replaced like Len or Bruce reinforcing the fact that it is indeed discrimination against women that leads to these unpopular changes. It would be worth the BBC and other institutions remembering that a good proportion of their viewers are middle aged or older women who do not appreciate being insulted by the removal of older women in favour of less useful, more decorative females.

Since Nick Hambleton Jones was removed from 10 years younger and replaced by Mylene, neither myself nor my friends watch it anymore. It used to be unmissable, now it is dull and Mylene is vacuous and boring.

Lets hope the same doesnt happen to strictly.

Alesha's only attributes are her legs, her moves and her high kicks - all hidden behind a desk - she is not at all attractive as a mouthpiece, so what's the point of taking a professional like Arlene out??! Surprise us and change it back to what it was.

Arlene should definately not be replaced as she has so much experience and expresses her points so well. I found the panel as it was excellant. Problem is the BBC have to decide whether they want to go for a winner with real talent or someone popular/funny just to keep the masses happy. You can't have both!

This is outrageous. I can see the theory behind the decision but what the BBC seem to have forgotten is what Arlene's comments add to the show. I value them hugely as they are meaningful and fair and she obviously puts a lot of thought into what she says. What's even more infuriating is that Arlene looks fantastic for her age (she is in fact older than Len...) yet she is still judged for it. She knew what she was talking about and in all honesty, Alesha will not be able to live up to that. As a young viewer myself I thought the judges were great and the introduction of Alesha to the team will not make me a more avid viewer of the show, more likely depress me that I am growing up in a world where experience, thoughtfulness and being wise are attributes considered less worthy than beauty and youth. Arlene is fantastic, so I hope she can move onto better things!

Having just read all the comments, universal I should think, I can't believe the Beeb is going to persist with replacing a choreographer with a singer as a judge on a dance show. Alesha's laugh is going to spoil everything and my mute button will now be used for her as well as the hammy Bruce - if I can bear to watch at all. This wonderful show is risking losing viewers, and younger members of my family still have no intention of watching it. What for, to see Alesha Dixon? What a joke.

The BBC must listen. Although the vast majority of viewers have nothing whatsoever against Alisha as a DANCER she is not equipped to judge the show. One of the great things about the show is the knowledge, experience and expertise the judges have. They have the skills required to properly critique the dancers and Arlene is one of the best. She knows what she's talking about. It amazes me how the programme makers could even consider Alesha to be a worthy replacement for Arlene.

Having read all the previous comments it would appear that the consensus of opinion is very much in favour of maintaining the winning formula, which goes to show that the majority of viewers, unlike the BBC planners, know what's best! Alesha Dixon is a lovely girl but, has no practical dance experience. Arlene is a DANCER whose comments were helpful to the dancers. When will they learn that you can't beat experience? Does it matter how old a person is if they do a good job? Bruce is a superb host and Len a very fairminded judge so stop this nonsense about ageism. In life we have to live with all ages, let T.V. reflect that. My Grandchildren love the show and don't seem to be put off by the "Wrinklies!"

Come on BBC show some common sense.

I am SO disappointed with the BBC programmers for axing Arlene. I think Aleisha is lovely, but she does not have any in-depth expertise and I will not be able to take her views seriously. There is a good chance that I will stop watching the programme altogether particularly as I find Bruce quite painful to watch already.!

Without Arlene the judgeing pannel will be incomplete and boring! Alesha Dixon was very good as a celebrity dancer but does not have half as much experience as Arlene or the rest of the judges - AND THAT IS A HUGE UNDERSTAITMENT! It will make it alot less classy and interesting and hugely let the show down. I would feel annoyed if I was competing in a competition and found anyone as inexperienced as Alesha Dixon judging me. I am very dissapointed! Also when Darcy Bussel comes on near the end of the show it will prehaps spoil the series. If Arlene really has to go, they should put Darcy Bussel on the panel and introduce Alesha later on because at least Darcy has dance experience and knowlage. The BBC has really spoilt their best show. =[

BRING BACK ARLENE

I feel the same as all the other comments rolled into one. I despair that such a ridiculours decision is made and the person who makes it is not accountable or even has the honesty to geive the true reasons for their decision.

Either bring back Arlene or loose another viewer

Arlene should not have been taken off Strictly Come Dancing. The person who decided this is a complete and utter idiot without an ounce of intelligence, integrity or intellect. I certainly will not be watching any more and thank you BBC for spoiling mine and a heck of a lot of people's enjoyment. The dancers are not happy either. Yes Alisha is lovely but what does she know about judging a dance programme. Wake up BBC and smell the coffee before its too late.

The BBC are clearly not listening, as ever, to their viewers and at the same time, their licence payers. All of the judges can have their hissy fit moments, but why pick on Arlene, with her wealth of knowledge and experience? Alesha could have turned down the job though, couldn't she? Did I read that Darcey Bussell is to have some input as well?

Arlene should stay

Arlene Phillips should stay, after all she is a choreographer and gives constructive advice. Lovely though Alesha is she is not a professional ballroom dance and how can a ballet dancer judge ballroom dancing. Alesha and D'arcy as guest panelists yes but permanent no. Strictly needs Arlene

I wholly support the decision of the BBC to remove Arlene Phillips. I was one of the fans of the show who complained to the BBC and said that she needed to be removed last series. The way she campaigned against John Sergeant seemed to me to be disgraceful, going from studio to studio. The whole panel did not cover themselves with glory, but Arlene seemed to be obsessed with driving John Sergeant off the show, and went well beyond what is to be expected of an impartial judge.

I am disgusted that this smokescreen about ageism is being whipped up.

If people fall short of the standards we expect on such shows, they should be removed, and rightly so. They judges made it a battle between them and the BBC producers. The judges had to be shown once and for all that this is an entertainment show, as the creator of the format was at pains to point out when the judges, particularly Arlene, behaved so appallingly towards John Sergeant.

I am disappointed that the judges let down the fans so badly last year, and would not have been surprised if the BBC had felt the need to remove the lot of them.

But if one was to go, to my mind had to be Arlene, due to the nature of her comments and the persistance of her campaign against John Sergeant, who was a contestant who played fairly and squarely by the rules of the show and deserved to be there as long as he did. There is no excuse for the bullying he received.

I am saddened if the valid campaign against ageism in broadcasting is discredited by so much support being whipped up for a recipient who seems so undeserving of our sympathy.

I cant quite see why the anti-ageism supporters seem to keen to support someone who was apparently so keen to bully an old gentleman off the show with hurtful comments.

We want experiance, knowledge, insight, passion for dance -someone who truly cares. We have it all with Arelene, somehow Alisha doesn't cut the mustard. Auntie Beeb, you underestimate the public stop telling us what would be good for us - more youthful totty. SCD is a much better and richer place with our Arlene. Keep her there.

Alesha was a fantastic competitor on the show, but doesn't have Arlene's knowledge and experience. I can't believe that Alesha would be able to choreograph a group dance, as Arlene has done in previous series. I agree with the dipsticks, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. After all, the BBC might find that their plan to encourage younger viewers could possibly backfire, and might mean they begin to lose their current fans. I will certainly be a critical viewer who might vote with my tv remote control.

Alesha was a fantastic competitor on the show, but doesn't have Arlene's knowledge and experience. I can't believe that Alesha would be able to choreograph a group dance, as Arlene has done in previous series. I agree with the dipsticks, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. After all, the BBC might find that their plan to encourage younger viewers could possibly backfire, and might mean they begin to lose their current fans. I will certainly be a critical viewer who might vote with my tv remote control.

Thre b.b.c programme people dont live on this planet, do they not listen to the viewers on what they want on their teleivision the people own it and these peolpe are employed by us to give us what we want and it most certainly is not Alesha Dixon, What does she know about dancing...ZILCH Arlene is brill and age does not come into it another viewer b.b.c. has lost for this programme

You need to keep Arlene, she is the best at the job, Alisha ihas not enough experience to be a judge aslo we employ these people as we pay for them out of the licence fee KEEP ARLENE you will lose watchers

I can not believe this.....

KEEP ARLENE!!!!! Dump Craig or Bruno...

Arlene is the show's biggest asset, she has integrity, vast knowledge of dance and her comments are always from the heart even if the contestants do not realise so at the time. I, for one, will try to not watch the show if Arlene is replaced by a pop singer. Come on BBC..get into the 21st century !!!

I am 25 young and attractive but I dont really want to be put on the shelf when I reach 40!! this is disgusting. Well done BBC for showing yet again that women are only on TV to be looked at, so qualifications REALLY dont matter. Ill pass that message on to future generations of girls...get your boobs done and your made. I despair!!!

I love Strictly and have watched every episode of every series, but I doubt I will be this time. Why oh why does the BBC have to dumb everything down - give the viewers some credit. Arlene is an expert in her field and the majority of the views love her - acerbic comments and all. Alesha was a great contestant and deservied to win - but a judge??? Her grating laugh alone is enough to make you switch off. Come on BBC - do the right think and bring Arlene back.

No no no.... how can they do that!! I won't watch without Arlene.

keep arlene phillips, or we stop watching. If age is a problem why not get rid of bruce forsyth?

Dreadful decision! Strictly wont be the same without Arlene bringing a good balance and lively comment to the show. Thought Alesha didnt dance until she came on the show. The programme works so why change it, another older women treated poorly by the BBC!

This is terrible news! I love Strictly and it just won't be the same without Arlene's informed, totally credible comments. Alesha is totally annoying at the best of times and won't have a clue what she's talking about. Why don't the idiotic BBC just ruin the show completely by replacing Craig with Peter Andre while they're at it?

Please will everyone stop referring to how old people are.

I am interested in someones ability ,experience and expertise. I could not care less about age for a particular job it rarely says anything about their suitability .

This decision is not about women, good looks and ageism; it is about the powers that be not understanding what the vast majority of people want. The BBC made the same mistake with Edward Stourton and the Today programme. When will substance, experience, integrity and quality once again take centre stage on our TV and radio? Perhaps then audience figures will grow on a scale equal to the bonuses, expenses and salaries of those who purport to represent us?

Its outrageous its like changing a Rolls Royce for a Robin Reliant, the Creme de la Creme for the dregs

Why remove Arlene who knows more about dance than Alesha - lovely and charming as she is. If BBc is worried about salaries, why keep on a 47 year old who behaves like a crude sex-starved teenager!

Keep Arlene-she has so much experience-move Bruno out-add Alesha- two men two women-SEEEMPLE!

Much as I like Alesha Dixon, and great dancer though she is, she just doesn't have the knowledge or experience to be a judge on Strictly. Arlene, love her or hate her, really knew what she was talking about, and one of the joys of Strictly was watching the celebs improve, thanks to the guidance of the judges (as well as their professional partners). Will Alesha be qualified to guide the celebs? No. Keep Arlene on the panel!

The argument that Anne Robinson is on TV so it's not ageist / sexist doesn't really stand up - she's had a facelift, that says it all. You just need to watch BBC news to see women are on the TV primarily for their looks and that there is contempt for talented females. It's sad but not surprising that they've done it again. The BBC is so unrepresentative when it comes to women that I don't see why I should pay a fee when I now no longer watch it. I prefer Ch4 for news, the BBC lost its way when they got rid of Moira Stuart (hmmm another talented woman on the scrap heap).

Just the usual BBC ageism against women. They already had Brucie (in his 80s) with a co-presenter younger than his kids and most of the judges are men (even though dance classes are probably taken up by more women than men...so bit odd). Just wish we didn't have to pay a lisence fee to the BBC just so we can watch other channels.

I am absolutely disgusted at the decision to replace Arlene Philips as a judge on SCD. She is an entertaining and passionate expert and one of the few high profile women over 50 (let alone 60) on mainstream television. If the programme makers had wanted to refresh the panel then replacing one on the male judges, instead of the lone female, would make more sense. Two men and two women would be a better balance. The charge against the BBC of ageism and sexism towards older women seem to be validated by this decision which flies in the face of equal opportunities and of common sense. Have the programme makers not considered the demographic to which this programme most appeals; let alone the fact that women over 50 are becoming one of the largest and potentially most influential groups in our population?

Why would the BBC want to change a very popular TV programme by sacking one of it's biggest assetts. It's Bruno that should go, he is just an over emotional italian playing to the cameras.... he never gives any professional advise.

I was very shocked to hear that Arlene Phillips has been axed from Strictly. It is a wonderful show and the format and those who appear on the programme make it the success that it is. Why change it? It seems to be that the BBC's policy is to sack women when they reach a certain age. Alesha Dixon is a lovely girl but does not have the considerable experience of Arlene. When changes are made to very successful programmes it is never the same and the show could lose viewers because of it.

when if ever are the bbc going to listen to their audience? get your act together bbc. give us what we want, nbot what you thik we should have.

Really, words fail me! Arlene is so knowledgeble and it seems to me all the professionals respect her comments whether praise or complants. Please, please do not replace her with anyone at all, we must set up a SAVE ARLENE campaign!!

The BBC have made an appalling error of judgement in swapping an intelligent ,knowledgeable dancer/choreographer for an air head whose knowledge fo dancing technique would be hard pressed to fill the back of a postage stamp. It may be light entertainment but the show also used to have some credibility as a medium for learning about dance. Hopefully the nation will vote with their remote controls and the BBC will come to its senses. Lets start a campaign --BRING BACK ARLENE !

I was shocked to hear that Arlene had been dropped from Strictly Come dancing- she is so knowledgable, and helpful to the contestants- recommending ballet lessons for example- Alesha is a lovely girl and i watched her as a contestant with pleasure, but she won't have the authority that Arlene had in her criticism- and the Pro dancers won't be able to have as much respect for her. Is it a reversible decision?

Arlene was the best judge and should stay on the program. if they should replace some one let it be Len goodman

Someone within the hierachy at the BBC needs to review this decision. As much as Alesha is a fine performer; how can she possibly have the experience or expertise that Arlene possess. afterall wasn't but two years ago that she learned to dance!!! Strictly is a world beater, we do not wish it to become another XFactor with less than informed judges making professional judgements. Bring back Arlene!!

Once again BBC do what they like with our money and take no notice of what the licence payers say - again they will ruin what was a great show by trivialising the judging. What on earth are they changing it for - it must be ageism against women. Why don't they get rid of Brucie or Len if they want to attract a younger audience and why do they want a younger audience what's wrong with us oldies, remember we are the ones that pay the licences.

definetely not do not swop arlene for alesha BIG MISTAKE

I cannnot believe BBC are going to ditch Arlene, a highly professional succesful coreographer whose dance knowledge is second to none, This is an ageist move, and BBC shold br ashamed of themselves! If this goes ahead, rather than taking viewers away from X Factor - it will drive more to them. My household for one will no longer watch Strictly, I hope many others will do the same. Aleisha Dixon knows nothing!! but she is a pretty face eh??

Being able to dance isn't the same as knowing enough to comment, constructively, about dancers and dancing.

If this is an age-related change, perhaps the BBC haven't noticed that the show's host is in his 80's.

This show has been held up by the BBC as 'a runaway success'. If that's so, leave it as it is!

BBC, please leave well alone. Arlene knows what she's talking about and, nice as Alesha is, she doesn't have that experience.

The BBC is crazy if it wants to change the judges on Strictly. To replace Arlene with some lip glossed stick insect who does not know the difference between a foxtrot and a tango is just plain stupid. I agree with the others. BBC leave well alone!

It would be crazy to replace Arlene. Strictly works well and part of that is because of the judges. Leave well alone!

It would be a great shame if Strictly were to be "dumbed down" in this way. Alisha is a good dancer, but she does not have the talent or experience of Arlene.

Arlene annoys the hell out of me but she's very knowledgeable - Alesha would be 'window dressing'. Don't do it!

Alesha has the most awful, irritating, loud laugh we have ever heard on TV and this will get many people to switch off the Strictly program for good.

It is absolutely ridiculous to replace Arlene with someone who is not a choreographer. No offence to the lovely Alesha but what does she know about judging the various types of dancing? If it is an ageist thing, then it is only fair that Len should go too. Come to that, it is time that Brucie was waltzed off...

Arlene seems a lovely lady and a very experienced choreographer but her comments were annoyingly staged, all that alliteration!!! We would be cringeing in anticipation. Not sure if Alesha has the dancing experience but would definitely bring some young life to the panel, especially as its a popular family show. While we're on the subject of staging, does Bruce have to read those awful jokes between every item, wake up BBC, give the guy a break. (Unless he actually writes all that drivel??!!)

If it ain't broke don't try to fix it,,,,,,,the dipsticks.