Arlene Phillips thanks fans for Strictly support

Arlene Phillips has thanked her fans who have called for her return to Strictly Come Dancing.

Yesterday it was revealed that Alesha Dixon had quit the BBC One series to join ITV‘s Britain’s Got Talent. Dixon joined the judges panel of Strictly in 2009 replacing Arlene Phillips in a controversial move with the BBC accused of ageism. With news that Dixon is leaving unsurprisingly their have been calls for Phillips to return to Strictly.

Writing on her Twitter page Phillips thanked her fans ‘Gosh twitter followers and friends.  I am overwhelmed by your incredible tweets campaigns and Facebook messages. So much love and thanks.”

While Phillips return may be a popular one with long-term viewers of Strictly at the moment she is not the favourite to replace Dixon. A number of contenders have emerged since news of Dixon’s exit broke yesterday. Darcey Bussell and Jennifer Grey, both of whom have been guest judges on Strictly, are amongst the names suggested by the press. Former contestants on the series such as Jill Halfpenny, Kara Tointon, Russell Grant and Chelsea Healey have also been suggested as possible replacements.

• At the moment though it seems there is real support for Arlene to be brought back onto Strictly, so ATV Today asks: Should Arlene Phillips return to Strictly Come Dancing? Voting is simple; the poll is in the top left hand side of the website. Select your choice and click vote. You can also post your comments below.