Arlene Phillips to RETURN to Strictly Come Dancing

She was axed 9 years ago!

Arlene Phillips
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 23rd Nov 2018
Last updated 23rd Nov 2018

As the current series of Strictly Come Dancing is now in full swing, it's been revealed that a massive nine years after she was axed from the show, Arlene Phillips will be returning! Arlene won't be a permanent addition, however, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge will be choreographing a dance for the professionals on Sunday's show!

News of Arlene's return was revealed on the Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two. The former judge will be working with Candoco, a dance company made up of disabled and non-disabled dancers, along with the Strictly professionals for Sunday's show.

Arlene admitted her decision to return to the show was "really hard". As yet, Arlene has not revealed if she will stay to watch the main shows at the weekend.

Craig Revel-Horwood, Arlene Phillips and Bruno Tonioli

The 75-year-old choreographer last appeared as a judge on Strictly back in 2008, later being replaced by Alesha Dixon. At the time Arlene's removal from the judging line-up caused much controversy as many believed it was due to her age. The BBC later denied ageism was a factor in changing the show's line-up.

Meanwhile, in the current series of Strictly, fans were worried that professional dancer Kevin Clifton could be about to leave the quit the show. Kevin, who is partnered with journalist Stacey Dooley, has been on the show since 2013 and recently split from his wife and fellow Strictly professional Karen Clifton.

Swipe through to see which couples found love on Strictly Come Dancing...


Arlene Phillips to RETURN to Strictly Come Dancing
2 of 12

In a special clip on It Takes Two Kevin was the subject of a 'best bits' segment in which it was mentioned has been in the final four times - but has not yet the Glitterball trophy.

After the video clip, Kevin said, "We all would love to win the Glitterball, but at the end of the day it's just about bringing joy and entertainment and fun. I'm ridiculously proud to be a part of Strictly, often I think like this is my job, it's something I'll be incredibly grateful for."

This caused many fans to worry he could be about to leave the show.

Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday on BBC One at 6.50pm.

NOW WATCH: All the winners of Strictly Come Dancing