BBC sources have just confirmed that Alesha Dixon will indeed be taking the place of axed Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, when the new series kicks off later this year. Alesha will join Craig, Bruno, Len and a fifth judge, ballet dancer Darcey Bussell. It is thought the BBC wanted a younger face on the panel in order to compete with Cheryl Cole over on The X Factor. The two shows air at the same time and are often competing for the same audience. Alesha was a popular contestant on Strictly, and she went on to win the show back in 2007. The singer herself is thought to be very excited, telling friends, "Once you are part of Strictly Come Dancing, you are part of the family and I do feel that about the show." Are you excited about Alesha taking over from Arlene, or should the BBC have left things how they were?
Alesha confirmed for Strictly