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Strictly judge decision nonsense: Chiles
Friday 28 August 2009
The celebrity dance contest was hit with an ageism row when the 66-year-old Phillips was axed to make way for the much younger singer Alesha Dixon, who won the show in 2007.
The controversy prompted Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw to warn the BBC not to pander to "the cult of youth", and say it would not be acceptable if Phillips had been dropped purely on grounds of age.
Phillips, an experienced choreographer, is to join the 'One Show' as its Strictly reporter for the start of the seventh series next month.
The BBC has consistently rejected accusations of ageism, but Chiles condemned the decision to replace Phillips.
"From a personal point of view, it's absolute bloody nonsense," he told Broadcast magazine. "They are dealing with issues I don't understand, but I thought it was nonsense."
Yesterday, Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said he was "surprised" by the decision, but said the new judging panel, which includes former Royal Ballet principal Darcey Bussell, 40, was very exciting.
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