Alesha dampens Strictly judge speculation

Alesha Dixon has brushed off reports that she's being lined up to replace Arlene Phillips as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Sun reports that 66-year-old Arlene has been told she won't be on the panel for the new series of the BBC One show this autumn, and claims producers are lining up Alesha as they look to inject some youthful glamour into the series.

Asked about the reports, singer Alesha - a former winner of the show - told Sky News: "There is always speculation - two months ago they were reporting that I was going to take over from Brucie."

She went on: "But once you are part of Strictly Come Dancing, you are part of the family and I do feel that about the show.

"If it wasn't for Strictly I wouldn't be here because it really has changed my life."

A BBC spokesman said: "We can't confirm anything about the new series of Strictly yet, but we are always looking at ways to maximise viewers' enjoyment of our shows."