BBC bosses lining up former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips to replace Len Goodman
The veteran choreographer has made no secret of her desire to return to the show
FORMER judge Arlene Phillips is being lined up to make a sensational return to Strictly Come Dancing.
The veteran choreographer, 73, was axed in 2009 in favour of Alesha Dixon, sparking a huge ageism row at the BBC.
But bosses are considering bringing her back to replace head judge Len Goodman who is leaving Strictly after the upcoming series.
A source said: “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.
“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.”
Despite her controversial departure after series six, Arlene has made no secret of her desire to return to BBC1’s flagship Saturday night show.
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Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, she praised the new series, Len’s last, which launches on September 3, mainly due to her admiration of Team GB star Greg Rutherford.
She said: “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.”
Len, 72, is stepping down after appearing in every one of the show’s 14 series.
He said: “This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of head judge to someone else.
“I’m looking forward to my last series very much, and to whatever comes next.”
A BBC spokesman said: “We are focusing on making his last series the best yet.”
IT'S NORTHERN SOUL-LESS
STRICTLY has been accused of being “northernist” as all of this year’s British contestants come from the South.
Long jumper Greg Rutherford, 29, is the most northern-based of 15 entrants — and is from Milton Keynes, Bucks.
Fan James Buckles, 35, from Birmingham, said: “Everywhere else is so well represented — they must be northernist!”
But the show said it has had contestants “from all corners of the UK” since it began.