Strictly unfair says judge, Dixon

Published on Monday 21 September 2009 22:05

ALESHA Dixon has dismissed criticism that she is not qualified to judge Strictly Come Dancing's contestants as "nonsense" and says she has been left "wounded" by the backlash against her.

Dixon, 30, made her debut on Friday, replacing feisty choreographer Arlene Phillips, 66, on the panel. She has been criticised by viewers who believe the glamorous star lacks the experience to step into the role and want Phillips to return.

Last night, the BBC confirmed it had received almost 300 complaints about Dixon's debut.

The singer, who won the contest in 2007, said she was shocked at the age row that erupted when Phillips was axed and believes some comments levelled against her were driven by bitchiness. She added:

"Maybe people wanted to start a catfight. But I didn't see it as an argument between Arlene and me."

Addressing criticism that she does not have the skills for the job, Dixon added: "It's nonsense to say that I'm not qualified to judge the dancers. I spent six years singing with Mis-Teeq, and another four as a solo artist where I had to pick my own dancers and audition them.

"So I'm not new to this. Also, having competed on the show, I'll be the only judge who understands what the celebrity dancers are going through.

"As a contestant, you're on a physical and emotional journey. Unless you've walked in those shoes, you'll never know how demanding it is."

She added: "Whatever unkind things have been said, I'm now at a place in my life where I'm comfortable in my own skin. Since all the controversy kicked off, I'd been wanting to get the show up and running and sink my teeth into it. So, let's get it on."

Camilla Dallerup, a former professional dancer on the show, also called for Dixon to be given a chance.