Alesha Dixon quits Strictly Come Dancing

Alesha DixonAlesha Dixon has quit the judging panel of BBC One‘s Strictly Come Dancing.

The singer will not be part of the Strictly Come Dancing line-up when it returns later this year. Dixon originally took part in Strictly, as a contestant, in 2007 winning the series and then was brought back as a judge in 2009 to replace Arlene Phillips. The departure of Phillips from the judges panel caused an uproar in the press with accusations of ageism levelled at the BBC over her departure. Despite the controversy Dixon remained as a judge and was not replaced or ditched as some reports suggested.

It is expected Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli will remain as judges on Strictly Come Dancing when it returns later this year. A spokesperson for the BBC is quoted as saying ‘We wish her all the best. She has done three very successful series with us and we look forward to announcing our new line-up in due course.”

The news of Dixon’s departure is bound to prompt plenty of tabloid speculation as to whom will replace the singer. Doubtless there will be reports claiming Arlene Phillips will return as a judge. The BBC is expected to announce the new line-up closer to the new series in the Autumn.

  • UPDATED: Alesha Dixon joins Britain’s Got Talent, more here >>