Strictly Come Dancing 2016: Arlene Phillips being ‘lined up’ to replace Len Goodman

Could the former judge be making her big return after seven years? 
Big comeback? Arlene Phillips could be returning to Strictly Come Dancing
Dave Benett
Jennifer Ruby26 August 2016

Arlene Phillips is reportedly being lined up to return to Strictly Come Dancing.

The dance choreographer and presenter, who was a judge on the BBC show from 2004-2009, is in talks to replace Len Goodman.

According to The Sun, Phillips, 73, could be making her big return to the show next year, seven years after she was axed.

“Producers have a limited pool to pick from for Len's replacement,” a source told the newspaper.

“They know Arlene would be a shock to the audience but they'd love it. This time her age actually works in her favour as part of the BBC's new diversity and gender targets.

“Anton du Beke is still the favourite, but bosses love him being a dance mentor.”

Despite her strong dance background and expertise, Phillips was axed from the show and replaced by Alesha Dixon in 2009.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Phillips suggested that she’d been keen to make a return to the popular show.

Strictly Come Dancing 2016: full confirmed line-up

1/16

“Len is going and as always when the BBC said goodbye, the BBC do what the BBC want to do so I have no clue,” she said.

“But I do know that I want to be there this year because Greg Rutherford is adorable.”

Goodman, 72, recently announced that this year would be his last on Strictly after 12 years as head judge.

He said: “In 2004, I was asked to take part in a brand new BBC Saturday night show and who would have thought me, old Len Goodman, would still be part of this amazing series more than 10 years on.

“This adventure began when I was 60 and now that I’ve reached my 70s, I’ve decided after this year it’s time to hand the role of Head Judge to someone else.

“It is an honour being part of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing family and I’m looking forward to my last series very much and to whatever comes next.”

While Goodman is leaving Strictly, it is thought that he will be taking a the head judge role on US series Dancing With the Stars in the future.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in