'Nonsense' to axe Strictly judge

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/entertainment/8225807.stm

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One Show host Adrian Chiles has said the decision to drop Arlene Phillips as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing was "absolute bloody nonsense".

The decision to axe the 66-year-old to make way for the much younger singer Alesha Dixon triggered an ageism row.

It prompted Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw to warn the BBC not to pander to "the cult of youth".

The BBC has denied being ageist, and says Ms Phillips was dropped as part of an overall refresh for the hit show.

Mr Chiles told Broadcast magazine: "From a personal point of view, it's absolute bloody nonsense.

"They are dealing with issues I don't understand, but I thought it was nonsense."

On Wednesday, Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said he was "surprised" by the decision, but said the new judging panel, which includes former Royal Ballet principal Darcey Bussell, 40, was very exciting.

Ms Phillips is to join the One Show as its Strictly reporter for the start of the seventh series next month.