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FORMER Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips insisted today that she had not been affected by the row over her departure from the show.

The BBC faced accusations of ageism after she was axed from the hit celebrity dance contest to make way for the much younger Alesha Dixon.

Arlene, aged 66, who is directing a new dance musical at London's O2 venue, said she had carried on with her "day job" in the theatre throughout the controversy.

"I have always had a full-time job," she said.

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Arlene Phillips returning to Strictly Come Dancing

The BBC are said to be in secret talks with Arlene Phillips and are planning to bring her back to Strictly Come Dancing.

The Sunday Mirror reports that show bosses want Arlene to choreograph dances in one of the final shows of the series.

A Strictly source said last night: “There’s a massive buzz about the idea of bringing her back. We’ve always seen Arlene as part of the Strictly family and, knowing how popular she is among the show’s fans, we have been looking at ways to bring her back in.”

Bosses are also said to be considering using Arlene as an extra judge, alongside Alesha Dixon and Darcey Bussell on this years grand finale.

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