Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips to make BBC return

SHE was famously axed from Strictly Come Dancing, but Arlene Phillips is now set to make her return as a BBC dance judge.

The top choreographer is to be a panellist for the final of Let’s Dance For Sport Relief tomorrow night on BBC1.

She will cast her eye on the eight sets of finalists, who include Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards and Fatima Whitbread.

Phillips, 68, was dropped from Strictly in 2009, which led to an ageism row. She was replaced by Alesha Dixon who has now defected to ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent, prompting speculation that Phillips may consider a return to the BBC show.

She takes her place on the Let’s Dance panel alongside Frank Skinner and Rhod Gilbert.

Phillips said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the panel on the Let’s Dance final this Saturday night and looking forward to the run-ins with Rhod and Frank in deciding who has danced that extra mile for Sport Relief.”

The finalists, chosen by judges and viewers, have won their way through from four weeks of heats. Cash raised from voting goes towards Sport Relief.