Arlene Phillips swept off her feet by Strictly fans

FORMER Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips says she has been “overwhelmed” by messages of support, as fans called for her to return to the show.

The BBC has a seat to fill after Alesha Dixon was poached by Simon Cowell to judge ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Former Strictly professional and champion Karen Hardy, 41, a regular guest on BBC2 spin-off show It Takes Two, is being tipped as favourite to replace Dixon.

But some viewers have also called for the BBC to reinstate Phillips, who was at the centre of an ageism row when she was replaced by Dixon, 33, in 2009.

Phillips, 68, wrote: “Gosh, Twitter followers and friends. I am overwhelmed by your incredible tweets campaigns and Facebook messages. So much love and thanks.”

Fans wrote on Twitter that “they should have just kept Arlene Phillips in the first place” and “Arlene Phillips should be brought back”.