[Tom]

STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has been given the boot, The Sun can reveal.

The 66-year-old choreographer was officially told to Foxtrot Oscar by BBC bosses last night following top-level talks.

And former show winner Alesha Dixon, 30, is being lined up in her place to inject some youthful glamour into the ageing panel.

Producers want a “sexier” feel to compete with ITV’s The X Factor — a hit with youngsters.

By contrast, the youngest Strictly judge, Craig Revel Horwood, is 44 — while Bruno Tonioli is 53, Len Goodman is 65 and host Bruce Forsyth is 81.

Bosses also hope signing Alesha will appeal to ethnic viewers, who love X Factor.

Arlene has been with the show since it launched in 2004 — but came under fire last year for criticising TV newsman John Sergeant. A show source said last night: “It’s nothing personal against Arlene — she’s been brilliant.

“But the bosses want to bring in younger viewers — the 16 to 34-year-olds that X Factor mops up.”

The source added former Mis-Teeq singer Alesha is seen as the “perfect replacement”.

She won a huge fanbase after winning the 2007 series, beating former Eastender Matt Di Angelo, 22.

Brucie was so impressed he dubbed her the “British Beyonce”.

The source went on: “Nothing has been signed, but bosses really want Alesha as she has everything they’re looking for.

“She also knows a thing or two about dancing. Strictly can feel a bit old fashioned.”

The overhaul was partly sparked by the success of the US version, Dancing With The Stars, which grabs 20 million viewers.

BBC1 producers plan to bring over more American dancers and sign up some top celebs.

And they want raunchier routines like those of Rachel Stevens and partner Vincent Simone last time round.

The new series, starting in autumn, is expected to once again go head to head with X Factor on some Saturday and Sunday nights.

Original Article

If true, what the actual 'f word'? How can she rival Cheryl Cole?! If they were going to use past contestant they should've picked Kelly Brook, fans liked her on BGT and she'd probably bring in more male viewers as well ....