Entertainment

Arlene to return to Strictly?

Arlene Phillips has reportedly been in talks with the BBC about returning to Strictly Come Dancing. 

The 68-year-old was controversially axed from the judging panel in 2009, being replaced by Alesha Dixon, but has now been tipped to regain her place after the singer quit the show for rival, Britain’s Got Talent.

Sources told The Sun that Phillips met with the BBC’s controller of entertainment, Mark Linsey to discuss whether getting her back for the next series would be an option.

The insider told the publication:

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"The idea of her returning to Strictly was discussed. There is no offer on the table but Mark wanted to know where Arlene's head was on the whole thing.

"Neither were ruling anything in or out as it's a tricky one for both of them. Her departure was not without bad feeling and controversy, so you can understand her being cautious.

"Likewise, the BBC axed her for a reason so it could be that that chapter should remain closed."

Phillips recently took to Twitter to thank fans for supporting her potential return to Strictly, but admitted that she was struggling to cope with the speculation. 

Former Strictly pro Karen Hardy is the bookies favourite to take Dixon’s place on the panel, but Miranda Hart, Kara Tointon and even Nancy Dell’Olio have also been linked to the role.