Sunday, 9 August 2009

Tess Daly: Arlene Phillips is an absolute darling

Strictly Come Dancing host will miss judge

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Tess Daly presents Strictly Come Dancing with Bruce Forsyth

Tess Daly admits she’ll be sad to see Arlene Phillips leave Strictly Come Dancing.

The judge, 66, will be replaced by newcomer Alesha Dixon, 31.

‘I have to be absolutely honest, I am a big fan of Arlene and I have always been a big fan of Alesha since I first met her in 2002 on SMTV,’ says Tess.

‘She was a sweetheart, but Arlene is an absolute darling and I am very, very fond of her.’

Tess, 38, who is launching her own beauty range, is excited about the return of the show in the autumn.

‘I can’t wait for the new series,’ she tells the Daily Record. ‘I am as obsessed with it as the next person.’