Arlene Phillips To Return To Strictly Come Dancing?

She was unceremoniously axed from the show back in 2009 but word on the street is that Arlene Phillips could be returning to the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel.

Fancy that!

The 73-year-old choreographer had the backing of the general public when the BBC decided to replace her with Alesha Dixon, allegedly because Arlene was too old, but now it is thought that she could replace Len Goodman as head judge after he announced that he will be leaving the show.

A source explained: “Producers have a limited pool to pick from for Len’s replacement and they know that Arlene would be a shock to the audience but they would love it.

"This time her age actually works in her favour as part of the BBC’s new diversity and gender targets.”

However, the insider went on to add to The Sun that professional dancer Anton Du Beke is still producers’ favourite to replace Len but they don’t want to lose him on the dancefloor.

They explained: “Pro dancer Anton du Beke is still the favourite but bosses love him being a dance mentor to the older women celebs and don’t want to lose him.”

Meanwhile, Arlene hinted that she would be up for returning to the show, admitting that she was looking forward to this year’s series because Olympian Greg Rutherford is competing.

She shared: “Len is going and as always when the BBC said goodbye, the BBC do what the BBC want to do so I have no clue. But I do know that I want to be there this year because Greg Rutherford is adorable.”

A BBC spokesperson did not comment on whether Arlene would be returning but did say: “We are focusing on making his last series the best yet.”