Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips is to return to the BBC One show this weekend, nine years after her controversial axing, which saw the channel embroiled in an ageism row.
British tabloid The Sun reports that the 75-year-old is choreographing a routine featuring Strictly's professionals and dancers from the disabled dance company Candoco for Sunday night's results show.
Phillips told the paper that it was "really hard" to return to Strictly after losing her place in the judging panel to the then-30-year-old Alesha Dixon in 2009. The BBC denied allegations of ageism at the time.
"I did this because this is where my heart lies," Phillips explained.
"I didn't do this about resolving anything with Strictly. Was it hard for me to say yes? I've got to tell you, it was really hard."
Phillips said she had not decided if she would stay to watch Saturday night's show.
Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One on Saturday at 6:50pm.
