It’s been the worst kept secret in recent TV history, and something that has rankled with hardcore Strictly Come Dancing fans ever since the news broke (including me). Now the inevitable has been confirmed – Arlene Phillips has been booted of the Strictly judging panel to be replaced by pop singer and former Strictly winner, Alesha Dixon. Not a smart move by the BBC in my opinion, but there’s more…

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The BBC release says that Alesha is perfect for the judging panel because, “Alesha knows exactly what the dancers are going through.” To me that’s not enough. You can see exactly what the BBC is trying to do, basically the same thing The X Factor did – draft in a gorgeous woman in a bid to boost the ratings. Why not go the whole hog? Why not replace all the judges with Page 3 models and porn stars who have little or no personality in a transparent attempt to attract the slavering Saturday night crowd?

Anyway, Alesha’s in and goo luck to her. But another addition to the panel is ballet dancer Darcy Bussell. She’ll be joining as a guest judge towards the end of the series, and will also be appearing on It Takes Two. At least she’ll know what she’s talking about.

As for poor Arlene, thanks for all the memories. You were great. How is she rewarded for her stirling work on Strictly? She’s been given a place on The One Show. If anyone saw Charlie Brooker’s fun and fruity And You Have Been Watching, you’ll remember the very funny tirade at the particular show. I can’t look at it in the same way anymore.

Anyway, from what I can gather, Arlene will be the show’s Strictly reporter. Not much of a demotion then.