Strictly's Arlene axed from panel

by Daily Gossip Jun 18th 2009 3:01AM

Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips has been axed from the show, according to reports.

BBC bosses reportedly told the choreographer that her services were no longer required last night.

Bosses want to inject some youthful glamour into the programme and have lined up previous series winner Alesha Dixon to take Arlene's place on the panel.

Producers want to give Strictly a sexier feel and want a panel to rival The X Factor's Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue in the glamour stakes.

A BBC source told The Sun: "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."

Alesha, who lifted the Strictly trophy in 2007, is seen as the perfect replacement for Arlene.

The source added: "Nothing has been signed, but bosses really want Alesha as she has everything they're looking for.

"She also knows a thing or two about dancing. Strictly can feel a bit old fashioned."

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Jun 18th 2009 4:44AM

Poppy commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

"BBC source told The Sun: "It's nothing personal against Arlene - she's been brilliant..."

Of course its personal ! Its ageist and sexist !

Arlene, sue 'em !

Jun 18th 2009 5:32AM

Ronnie commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

There are older people than Arlene on the show including one whose jokes come out of the ark if he can remember them.

Jun 18th 2009 8:55AM

Samphirem commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

Women are always judged by their ages and their looks by men. I was stunned when I read how old Arlene is: I thought she was about fifteen years younger. She has glamour, and most importantly, she has passion about dance. Her maturity simply emphasises her experience and our confidence in the marks she awards the contestants. Then there is the question of the 'old men' among the presenters and that shrill Schofield who constantly shouts.

To compare 'Strictly' with a public talent show in which some contestants are routinely, publically mocked in the name of mass entertainment is ridiculous. In addition, The BBC can choose to invite glamouress celebrity contestants and the professional dancers are stunningly good looking. How much 'glamour' is needed?

Jun 18th 2009 9:56AM

Poppy commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

Oh I do so agree about that squawking Phillip Schofield, he just grates on everyones nerves the way he shouts over everything in that high-pitched scream of his! but he seems to do that on all the shows he comperes! he is TOO over-exposed lately, game shows and chat shows are being saturated with Schofield - get rid!

Jun 18th 2009 11:56PM

gail littlefair commented:

User rating: Thumbs up

Absolutely disgraceful may be young and good but knows nothing about technical ability as Arlene does STOP putting glamour you need the knowlege otherwise you will end up with showy dancers winning who DO NOT have the technical ability. AGEIST AND SEXIST TYPICAL BBC DID THE SAME WITH CRIMEWATCH

Jun 25th 2009 6:13AM

Julie Imrie commented:

User rating: Thumbs up

Can you imagine what Brendan Cole will say when Alesha faults him? Something like "since whem did a singer have the right o tell me how to do my job?" Seriously though, how can a singer judge professional dancers? How will the professionals react? Arlene is an acknowledged dance expert - long live Arlene!

Jun 18th 2009 4:47AM

grace bow commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

Shame on the BBC, such ageism is outdated and they risk alienating their loyal audience who, they should admit, have been largely responsible for the success of this fabulous show. If Arlene has to go, then at least get another professional dancer to replace her, not a previous winner. What about Camilla Dallerup? Gorgeous and a professional, what more can they want?

Jun 18th 2009 4:59AM

Pinkie commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

Arelene has glamour - this is another example of ageism - shame on the BBC. How do they get away with this? Any other employer could be fined for such behaviour and rightly so. I think she complements the other three judges very well.

Jun 18th 2009 12:01PM

Mike commented:

User rating: Thumbs up

Tipical B B C atituide, they dont need the 18 30 age group watching, all they seek or dumb blonds with nothing between the ear's It's the old feller that need to go way out of tuch.

Jun 18th 2009 6:41AM

Beverley Foster commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

Perhaps we should get rid of Bruce Forsyth if we are talking about ageism, he really should know when to give up! I adore Arlene, she is so glamorous and not a fake! and she truly knows what she is talking about....

Jun 18th 2009 5:01AM

Rita Viney commented:

User rating: Two thumbs up

Why can't the BBC be innovative for once, and not follow the crowd like sheep. Clearly they are sacking Arlene because of her age. Don't they realize that attractive, intelligent older women are very much in vogue now. We have had enough of talentless young wannabes!!

Jun 18th 2009 1:58PM

Gill commented:

User rating: Thumbs up

I so, so agree!
Arlene has been superb. BBC, leave her alone!
I watch the programme avidly, as do so many others. I am not in the first flush of youth myself. I admire Arlene for the way she looks, expresses herself and for the experience she has in the dance industry.
I do not want Alesha Dixon on my TV at all, thank you. She has had her moment under the glitter ball as far as I am concerned. Oh, pension off the pensioner, by all means. Brucie must go!

Jun 18th 2009 5:42AM

Jeff commented:

User rating: Neutral

Arlene has made the show a joy to watch and should be allowed to continue.

Jun 18th 2009 6:45AM

Sandra commented:

User rating: Neutral

Is is ageism or just that Arlene wanted to move on or wanted too much money. Personally i think Arlene is great and the persont they should be getting rid of is Bruce Forsyth. He is dreadful and having been lucky enough to be have been at one of the live shows last year, I know just how dreadful and full of himself he is. How he gets through the live show I do not know, because for the bit that is recorded he had to have several takes.

Jun 18th 2009 5:03AM

james commented:

User rating: Neutral

Arlene is an intergral part of the success of this show.I would be sorry to see her leave.

Jun 18th 2009 5:14AM

Frank sPENCE commented:

User rating: Thumbs up

I don't know about needing to attract younger viewers, I am 65 and watch because my 10 year old grand-daughter got me hooked. She never misses.

Jun 18th 2009 5:12AM

oreganji commented:

User rating: Neutral

Exactly, I too am a Grandmother, and we watch it together, so that's 3 generations there. Do the BBC know their viewers at all.

Jun 18th 2009 5:12AM

oreganji commented:

User rating: Neutral

I am disgusted at the BBC, are they going to change the 3 male judges for a bit of youthful glamour, because exactly the same can be said of them. Arlene brings professionalism into it, and personally I like that, the contestants should be judged on skill and ability and not just on popularity. Much as I liked the Dixon girl, she would have absolutely no credibility as a judge.