Entertainment News

20 September 2009, 9:16

Dixon Strictly judging debut a flop

New Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon failed to impress TV audiences with her debut appearance on the show - viewers have slated the pop singer's performance.

Dixon, 30, won the TV talent contest two years ago and was drafted on to the show to replace veteran judge Arlene Phillips, 66, who was axed by the BBC.

Her replacement caused much controversy in the press, with accusations that Phillips had been sacked because she was too old.

BBC message boards were inundated with criticisms of Dixon's performance, and BBC's Radio 5 was overwhelmed with text messages just as critical after her stints on Friday and Saturday.

A TV source tells News of the World: "They thought Alesha would come on and steal the show. But they didn't take into account how popular and respected Arlene is. Now BBC1 controller Jay Hunt and the other executives are wondering how they can win the public round."

Former tennis player Martina Hingis was the first contestant voted out of the show on Saturday.

readers' comments (4 comments so far)

"oh my god leave her alone!! shes never done anything like this before and your only scared of change!! at least giveher a chance!! y r the british people so negative and always looking for reasons not to like anybody!!!!!"

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jennie, crewe, 28 September 2009, 7:06pm

"Please Alesha go no and avoid further embarrasing comments. Bring back Arlene - at least she knew the subject matter she was talking about. The BBC pc brigade fails on this occasion. What a waste of £100k of licence fee payers money!!"

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barty, southend, 20 September 2009, 6:22pm

"Bring back Arlene or at least get someone who knows about dancing, Ms Dixon is like a fish out of water."

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lesley, Sheffield, 20 September 2009, 5:14pm

"The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is far too long. 3 hours on consecutive evenings every week turns what is marvellous entertainment into something that becomes boring."

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Robert Goad, Caister On Sea, 20 September 2009, 4:14pm