Alesha Dixon's New Perspective

2 months ago 21st Sep 13:00

Alesha Dixon reckons she brings more to 'Strictly Come Dancing' than Arlene Philips.

The former show contestant - who replaced Arlene on the judging panel - has denied she is out of her depth as a member of the team and said she brings a fresh viewpoint on the ballroom dancing show.

She said: "My job is not to replace Arlene. My job is to provide a perspective that was missing before and that is the understanding of the performance aspects and of just how tough it is to perform to the standards the viewers expect.

"Having been through the 'Strictly' experience I can relate to it."

Alesha, 30, caused huge uproar when she replaced choreographer Arlene, 66, as a judge on the reality TV show, because she has no professional dance experience other than competing in the show in 2007 - which she won.

The BBC, who make 'Strictly', faced accusations of ageism for appointing Alesha, although Arlene herself has pledged her support for her younger replacement.

Having been through the 'Strictly' experience I can relate to it.

She told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "They hired Alesha because they wanted a different opinion - a voice of the viewer - and that's what she does. She was never hired to give a technical viewpoint.

"It is very hard for her - she must be incredibly nervous. The judges had all worked together for six series and she is new and on her own."

However, following his weekend's initial shows in the new series of 'Strictly', message boards have been flooded with complaints against Alesha - but she remains determined to become a hit on the show.

She added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "I am not a quitter. It's not in my nature to consider quitting.

"We are just starting on a long road and I know I can help make the path smoother for some of the celebs. You can't please all the people all the time."