I'm no fan of Arlene but to replace her with Alesha Dixon is just wrong in my opinion. Why are the BBC hell bent on ratings and capturing the "yoof" market? It would make more sense to bring in a new judge, possibly from America, who has a choreography, ballroom or Latin experience. I just see this as a big mistake and I am an Alesha fan but I just get a real sense of over-exposure.
There were so many things wrong with last seasons Strictly, I think it would be far better to go back to the grass roots not concentrate on ratings and the X-Factor equivalent on legs.

Exactly! What has Alesha got to offer? Can't see she would have very good judging skills. Camilla who has retired as a dancer on the show would be perfect; can't say I will miss Arlene much.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...sha-Dixon.html

Alesha has denied it.

Hiya scat

I hate to be picky but Alesha isn't actually denying it.....

She told Sky News today: '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.
'It it wasn't for Strictly I wouldn't be here because it really has changed my life.'

Why are SCD so focused on America?? It was a British show from origine wasn't it??


If they want to do this, why not use British upcomming pro's??

Hi FG

Long time no speak! How are you?

I know it wasn't an outright denial.... but it felt like a read between the lines one.

But with her tour, I don't see how she would have the time considering she has three on Saturdays where SCD would be taking place. Unless she cancels them....

totally agree with u!!!!! it has to be Karen!!!!

or if the BBC were insistant on having "young totty" as a judge then it would have to be Flavia

no way can it be alesha, a non pro dancer judging would be a joke and discredit the show

I agree.........i can't see her cancelling any of her tour dates..

I'm tending to think the BBC are trying to fit her in somewhere and it's leading to all this speculation.

I'm sorry, as much as Alesha is great, she couldn't be a judge. It would be weird for a celeb to be criticising another celebrity etc.

Surely someone like Karen with judging experience would be better.

i just watched the video of alesha answering the question and she looked "guilty" to me, so i think there may be some truth in the rumour

Don't really care who replaces her just please Arlene is gone.

She may be nice enough in real life, but she's vile a judge and her comments are quite embarrassing.

I agree with that sentiment.

Have to agree with everyone. Alesha being a judge just wouldn't be right and Karen would definitely be the best choice. Really hope Strictly aren't going to try and compete with X Factor by having younger females on the panel. I do wonder if they might add a judge though so there are five- another mistake IMO.

i worry though that karen would not be seen as "young" in the cheryl cole market and therefore she would be ignored

flavia is the only pro who is in that age range!

I didn't actually see Alesha's interview but I did see Andrew Castle and Carla Romana (sp?) chatting about it. Apparently Alesha's response was 'If it's in the papers it must be true' - so no outright denial but no admission either.

the video is on sky news web site

Well, no one is denying it outright......which would be the easiest thing in the world to do if not true.....


You could say i am/was one of "Mattesha's" biggest fans but Alesha as a judge THIS year would surprise me.......

Oh god I can't believe this actually may be true.

I know she has her tour but I guess she could fit it around it theoretically.

It would be terrible if true, give it to a former pro, or a judge from another show. I like Alesha but having her as a judge I think would undermine the judging a bit.

I think I might miss Arlene, I like the panel as they are even though each of them annoys the hell out of me sometimes. I'd actually say Bruno is the least of them if one of them has to go.

Isn't Ola also under 30? Lilia is only just 30, I believe, and Kristina is roundabout that age.

If this rumour is true (Arlene's contract not being renewed, that is), I would quite like to see Karen taking over.

Aww .. poor Arlene (if true)

Now, I must go and laugh uncontrollably and celebrate

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8106527.stm

It sounds like they are firing her in the same way The X Factor fired Louis.

i dont see lillia in that "cheryl" mold where she will appeal to young viewers, and ola's accent would make her being a judge a bit dodgy, and shes a bit of lads mag girl! i think flavia is the only one who has the young vibe who could appeal to da youth lol

but i would pick karen as well

Is it even confirmed Arlene is leaving? This could just be tabloid speculation. BUT considering it was mentioned on BBCs own page I think it is very likely that Arlene is no longer a SCD judge. They never post any SCD rumours on their news page.

Unfortunately, Karen is probably not high profile enough to appeal to the general public who haven't watched Strictly before. If this rumour is true then it is probably because the BBC want the pull of a big name like Alesha to encourage people to watch.

Alesha & Matt are still without a shadow of a doubt my favourite ever SCD couple, and as much as I love seeing her doing so well, I totally agree with mintchocchip.

I would much rather see Karen taking over if anyone, she certainly has the credentials.... However, appreciating that I may be in the minority, I like Strictly the way it is, warts, judges & all!

Usually when stuff gets printed about Alesha, Rachel who run's her website is quick to let us know if or how accurate it is. I expect she'll be around soon!