Strictly judge 'shocked' by departure
'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Craig Revel Horwood has told of his "shock" at the axing of Arlene Phillips in favour of Alesha Dixon.
A row over ageism erupted over the departure of 66-year-old choreographer Phillips, who was dropped from the BBC1 show after six series.
Younger stars Darcey Bussell, 40, and 30-year-old singer Dixon, who won the competition in 2007, are being brought on board, while Phillips will be 'The One Show's' Strictly expert.
Speaking to New! magazine Revel Horwood said Dixon "knows quite a bit about dance because she's been through the series and won it, so she's been trained by the professionals and the best.
"She's a natural, gifted performer, so she'll add those sorts of elements to her role from the performance side.
"But a celebrity contestant can never match someone who has been dancing their entire lives, who has been competitive and in professional competitions. But at the end of the day, it's just an entertainment show."
The judge said he and Phillips often had arguments and a lot of banter. "I don't know if Alesha and I will do that. I don't have a clue what will come out of her mouth, actually. The proof will be in the pudding."
Speaking about Phillips's departure at the time, BBC1 controller Jay Hunt said there had been a desire to "change the flavour of the panel". The BBC has denied ageism claims.
The corporation said previously a decision to change dancer Karen Hardy, 39, had "absolutely nothing to do with age".
