True. I think this may be a try-out to see if she'd be a good replacement for Kelly on TXF as I can't see her coming back for another series, and he needs a new female judge there as he seems to have permanently burnt his bridges with Cheryl. Though I'm not sure Alesha/Tulisa would work as they sound so alike.

I can see why the BBC hired Alesha. She is charismatic, loved the show and to this day she still has the highest mean marks of any Strictly contestant. They already had 3 technical judges and she gave a unique perspective in that she knew what the contestants were experiencing. Of course this 'empathy' sometimes influenced her marks a bit, when she wasn't marking on technical ability, but that is why there is a panel.

As for her replacement, I can see why Karen and Camilla are being banded about - they are the only two female professionals (to my knowledge) who have won and are no longer dancing on the show. I don't think I would like either of them as much as Alesha though. As for Arlene - hasn't anyone else read her blog? She clearly doesn't like some of the professionals and openly criticises the show so I can't see her being invited back. Judging by Wembley, I would rather watch paint dry than Jennifer Grey every week.

Wicked water was warm.

I'd rather they picked her father-in-law.

She's quit??!! YES! Finally! I couldn't take her judging seriously, she was an embarrassment to the show.

I quite liked Alesha but the show will be better off without her, presuming they bring in someone who is capable of forming their own criticism rather than just saying "Yeah, I agree with Craig/Len, and you were fantastic."

She added a different perspective to the judging panel with her direct experience of the show, and so she was able to identify with what the contestants were going through each week.

She'd definitely be more suited to a role on BGT. 90% of the contestants on there seem to be singers/dancers which are two areas her career has been founded on.

Having had misgivings about Alesha's credentials as a judge on SCD, she has turned out to be a great judge and the recent series was her best (even her grammar improved).

Good luck to her on BGT. I am not mad about the show but watch it sometimes. I think Alesha will be a good judge and not easily intimidated by Syco.

--------

And if that is the case then it has got to be Karen - I would rather leave the three men than hire any of the others.
Arlene was deservedly axed for her unprofessional conduct relating to John Sargeant the tried to backtrack.

There's no way it will be Kara Tointon - unless Artem is dropped next year. It would be impossible if he gets matched up with another celeb though I suspect he will get someone next year who has no chance of winning.

Perhaps Simon has offered to try to sort her music career out for her.... that seem to have stalled somewhat

Fab post.

Natasha Kaplinsky may have finished at ITV News by the Autumn.

Very surprised to hear this news.....I thought Alesha was OK and has been undeservedly given a hard time by some FM`s....Like others, I think it`s a bad move on her part...that said she`ll be on a panel with a much higher public profile than the Strictly Judges...Cowell,David Walliams.....and it goes without saying she`ll be getting a lot more £££....and if she`s any good Cowel might have her name pencilled in for a seat on the X-factor panel as well.....Which in all honesty could well be the real reason for her departure

As for her replacement...I await the inevitable forum melt down....because whoever is chosen the majority will find some excuse to have a good old moan....God how I will laugh if the forum favourite Jill Halfpenny gets the job....because at the end of the day she`s no more qualified for the role than Alesha Dixon

Alesha was judging whilst Matthew was still there, although he went out Week 1 and they weren't in a relationship

Can the BBC afford to increase the make-up budget that much?

Although most people would have forgotten she was on the show since she was in the first series.

I didn't mind her as a judge but I'm glad she's leaving tbh - she was out of her depth judging people on dancing because a fair few of them were on par with/better than her! She'll be good on BGT because, like Emma Bunton on DOI, she was looking for entertainment factor as much as or even more than technical ability, and BGT is definitely about entertainment (also talent obviously).

Will somebody please explain this 'unique perspective' mantra to me? It first surfaced in the BBC press release when she got the job and it gets trotted out every time any one hints that maybe Alesha doesn't know much about dancing. Does it just mean 'I could tell you WOZ nervous' on repeat play?

I want to hear the professionals, tell me about dance. The student who came with the chimney sweep this morning was a lovely guy but do I want his unique perspective on soot?

Its not an easy one for the BBC. Im surprised Alesha has left as Cowell is fickle and if she does not click she will only last a year -and there is just one week of live shows-nothing like the sustained impact that SCD and It Takes Two have over three months.
I cant see them going beyond a female dance professional personally as anyone other showbizz name will presumably encounter the same negativity as Alesha did. What has happened around Aleshas time is that the show has become slightly less dance contest, slightly more entertainment show and I think this has been a deliberate ploy. I dont think the Beeb will want it to be seen as too technical and so that may be the only chink of light for someone other than a professional.

Aha yes, the budget. Why replace Alesha at all? Surely we can cope with three judges?With Alesha gone, the Beeb might be able to knock a penny off the licence fee.

Probably, if you were learning how to sweep chimneys.

I don't think St Jill will get half as much stick as Alesha got. It'll be very interesting to see how the forum reacts if she is hired, considering she is no more qualified than Alesha as you say.

Other possible replacements - Dannii Minogue was hinting about returning to the UK; then there's Louise Redknapp, and Emma Bunton - both have judging experience and are free. They will be crap, but I hope one of them gets signed just to enjoy the ensuing forum meltdown.

Depends - do you need someone to tell you how it came AHT of the chimney?


Why not that beardy bloke off the baking show? He's got judging experience.

All I can say is thank god that Louis Spence is doing Dancing on Ice !!

I have got used to Alesha and will actually miss her some what......this explains the 2 for Nancy and all the 10s for just being good looking this year.....she knew she was off and didnt give a stuff.

Has she been confirmed for BGT?

I must say i am surprised she quit after all what she went through with the Arlene fiasco.