Media News
Dixon more 'relaxed' on judging panel
Monday 28 September 2009
The decision to replace choreographer Arlene Phillips with the show's 2007 champion sparked angry comments on its website chat room with viewers complaining that the singer lacks the technical knowledge to judge others.
But former jockey Richard Dunwoody, who was booted off the show on Saturday, backed Dixon, saying she was "absolutely fantastic" as a judge. "We all thought last week that she was good but this week she was excellent," he said.
"She's bringing a different voice to the panel as she's been there and done it and she's able to give really good advice."
Dixon said: "Last week naturally I was just settling in. There has been a massive build up to the show and there was a lot of pressure on my shoulders. This week, however, I was able to relax and be myself."
Dixon's first weekend on the judging panel attracted angry criticism that her comments.
Host Bruce Forsyth repeatedly commented on Dixon's difficult week during Friday night's show, saying the criticism was "unfair" and the whole crew supported her.
Some viewers accused him of "patronising" Dixon but the singer said: "Brucie is a sweetheart and has always supported me ever since I was in the show in 2007. His words of support were encouraging and very lovely."
Although Saturday's Strictly closed the gap slightly in the ratings war with ITV talent show The X Factor, it still came runner-up for the second week.
The difference in peak audiences fell from two million last week to 1.4 million on Saturday.
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