Ire over Dixon 'Dancing' appointment

Professional dancers on 'Strictly Come Dancing' have blasted the decision to appoint Alesha Dixon as a judge.

Many of the experts on the dance contest - which sees them teamed with a celebrity, who they mentor and partner throughout the contest - are furious the singer, who won the show as a contestant in 2007 but has no professional dance experience, has replaced choreographer Arlene Phillips.

A source revealed to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "A lot of the dancers are annoyed and a lot of the production team share their feelings. They feel it's a bit gimmicky to have hired Alesha. It's bizarre that she was a contestant and is now a judge. People are wondering what authority and expertise she can bring to the panel.

"Yes, she is young and glamorous but what can she say about the technique or the style of a dance? Arlene may have been catty, but she had years and years of experience and is highly respected by the dancers. It might be hard for them to take criticism from Alesha."

Fans of the show have also criticised the axing of 66-year-old Arlene while the male panellists, Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, 65, have kept their jobs.

A spokesperson for the BBC show said: "We have received complaints about viewers who are unhappy about the reports that Arlene Phillips will not be returning as a judge on 'Strictly Come Dancing' this year."

Dixon has also angered her own fans by cancelling a string of tour dates in order to fulfil her commitment to the dance contest.