IMO they should have picked Karen to be the new judge but I believe the reason why a pro such as Karen or Camilla wasn't picked is they are not high profile enough. SCD needed it to be like the recruitment of Cheryl Cole on X Factor and Karen or Camilla for instance wouldn't have been enough. Getting Alesha means its much more talked about and plus she is younger and they do want to attract some younger viewers. I think that is stupid as a lot of young people do enjoy strictly, most people watch X Factor and SCD anyway

I loved Alesha when she was a contestant but when I read this my heart sank. As someone who has danced competitively for 15 years and recently qualified as a teacher, I know there's no way Alesha will be able judge this properly. How can she possibly have the knowledge to pick up footwork, rise & fall etc? And what will happen when a pro-dancer questions her comments, how will she be able defend herself? She would be great as a mentor or with her own slot on SCD ITT, but she is out of her depth with this. SCD has done so much to promote ballroom dancing, its a shame they now seem to be giving out the message that a few months lessons qualifies someone as a judge.

new to DS but have watched scd since its inception. This is just so wrong. Alesha is lovely and could definitely have a role in/on the show but not as a judge. She is not qualified. As an american i perfer SCD to DWTS because it is more technical and not as showbizzy (although the costumes are going down that road). This smacks of a move to make it more in tune with DWTS. Pity...

I just reckon the BBC have gone off their rocker this year... i liked Arlene...

Certainly seems to be more interest in these daft demograph FOCUS groups than on the benefit of the actual show- and more is the pity

I think its a good idea personally.
I think it adds a new dynamic to the show, rather than four miserable bickering judges.

Havng had more time to consider this I can see the argument that perhaps there is a place for someone like Alesha on the panel. Last year the public got into a bit of a fight with the judges over John Seargant as they were entertained by him despite his technical faults. SO perhaps Alesha is there to connect with the public and say 'I really enjoyed that despite its faults.' Her being on the panel may lessen this perceived gap between the public and the judges. Though I still don't know if I'll be able to take her seriously judging, the work of the professionals.

However, if there's a place for Alesha on the panel, and there must be only 4 judges, then there is no place for one of Craig or Bruno. On an entertainment show based around ballroom dancing only one of the judges has knowledge and experience in it? I don't think so, we need at least one more ballroom judge I think or too much substance goes out the window. I don't really see what was so difficult about getting another ballroom judge before now anyway.

The fight was not only over the JS saga, there was Austin's departure, the semi-final fiasco, AND some pretty dodgy over-marking of one contestant, at least imo

I don't buy this judge as the'voice of the public' idea...We've already got a voice by voting for our favourites. By that criteria, they might just as well have me on the panel...I'm not much to look at but I am VERY cheap and can make generalised comments for days on end if need be

I don't think it's necessarily a terrible idea to have a non professional on the panel, given that Alesha does know something about dance (unlike the horrendous Ruthie Henshall on DOI) and the other three are very strong technically.

I'm not terribly disappointed about Arlene leaving as she isn't my favourite judge.

However, I don't like the message the beeb is sending out about its attitude towards older women on TV.

The obsession with youth is very tiresome. Having Alesha on the panel is not going to persuade a younger audience to watch the show. SCD's natural audience is not 18 year olds, who are not going to turn down a night on the town for Alesha, but an older, more settled demographic. I wish the BBC would start catering to them.

The only reason BBC are doing it is to "sex it up". What an absolute disgrace. Seems to me they don't care about taking it seriously. She's not a pro..

I feel like writting a letter of complaint.

I watch Dancing on ice, and I heard rumours of ITV following suite. -_-

I'm disappointed with the choice of the new judge. I liked Arlene, she loved a good mover and didn't get swayed by perfect steps rather than love of the dance. For whatever reason she isn't there this year but why Alyesha???
Surely Karen would have been a better choice. A non professional can give no guidance or help to the couples so how can she be a good choice!! grrr!!

I like Alesha, but I'm not overly convinced on her as a judge. I guess I'll have to wait and see what she brings to the show.

It makes no sense. Alesha brings nothing to the show and she's bloody irritating.
She doesn't have a strong dance background and she doesn't have a huge fanbase.
If they wanted younger viewers they'd be better off getting younger celebs to take part.

I'm glad someone else's memory hasn't blanked all that out!

It's not through want of trying Buddy!

I had a trip down Memory Lane on YouTube the other day and T&C's showdance still gives me goosebumps and L&B's still leaves me gobsmacked!

I think that you summarised the problem. The issue is not so much with individuals, but with the balance of the panel as a whole. Not enough ballroom/latin expertise, too many choreographers.

Also, although it could be argued that we should replace one of the choreographers, the decision to replace Arlene in particular is a bit suspect, since she the BBC have already have had a lot of criticism of their habit of cycling older women out of view. In fact two women and two men would have been a better balanced panel. Although I'm not keen on some of the judges on 'Dancing on Ice' it is a much more balanced panel of judges with three skating experts and two others to judge on dancing and performance. It has 2 women and 3 men, again more balanced. Most of all it has Robin Cousins, someone whose credentials cannot be disputed and who is far more tactful in delivering crticism.

I am absolutely disgusted by the suits at the BBC for dumbing down and beginning the ruination of the best show on the box.
Alesha Dixon knows zilch about how to judge all the different dances that comprise Strictly. If they must change Arlene why not replace her with one of the top pros like Karen Hardy or Camilla Dallerup who've been competing at all levels for years.

Those suits must not be allowed to ruin this show. No to Alesha. Yes to Karen, Camilla or any other top dancer/judge.

I think they've made a big mistake dumping Arlene for Alesha.
No way does Alesha qualify to be a judge, she'll just be annoyingly giggly all the time and say how wonderful all the dancers are even if they're rubbish.
Arlene told it how it was and knew what she was talking about.

I think she will be more than capable of judging on performance. However, perhaps we need more than one expert ballroom judge on the panel. What about Anton? He seems to get more than his fair share of poor contestants, and he would be an excellent and amusing judge.

Alesha Dixon has not done herself any favours by accepting this role.

She is entirely unqualified for it and does not possess the personality required for such a show.

As a singer/show person, she is entertaining to a small market and very good at what she does.

This will take her completely outside her comfort zone.

She will crash and burn and the public will not like her for it.

Alesha, do yourself a favour and stick to your day job, it's in your own interest.

Alesha's a great personality and it would be lovely to have her with a proper role in the show. But judge? NO!!! Sorry, that job is Arlene's and always will be in my book.

How many years dance experience has Alesha got over Arlene? Ahem!

I have bombarded the bbc with my complaint.


They will listen to me.


Obviously.

I always do SR, if that's any comfort to you?

PS: They've already had mine

i always listens to you

you know what i'm going to complaint what's the address?