Thursday, 9 July 2009

Alesha Dixon confirmed as new Strictly Come Dancing judge

Darcey Bussell is also joining the panel

Alesha Dixon| Next| Fashion Week| Now Magazine

Alesha Dixon will sex up Saturday nights

Alesha Dixon has been hired as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC confirms.

The 2007 winner, 30, who replaces Arlene Phillips, says she's 'honoured and excited'.

Ballet star Darcey Bussell, 40, will also appear as a guest judge during the latter half of the series.

‘It is a real pleasure to have been invited to join Strictly Come Dancing,’ she says.

‘It is a fantastic show and I'm looking forward to getting to know the dancers and being part of the excitement.’

Arlene, 66, will now work on The One Show as its Strictly expert.

‘She really knows her stuff,’ programme editor Doug Carnegie tells the BBC. ‘With six years of Strictly under her belt, she's a great addition to our line-up.’

More changes are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

SEE PICTURES All the best moments from Strictly Come Dancing 2008>>