Arlene Phillips is shocked that the BBC are launching another talent dance show.

Arlene Phillips

Arlene Phillips

The 74-year-old choreographer can't believe the broadcaster is planning to go ahead with 'The Greatest Dancer' - a new series where auditionees will show off ballet, ballroom and street skills in the hope of impressing the judges - next year because she thinks the public are "over talent shows now" as they're all too similar.

Arlene said: "Are we over talent and dance shows now? I think they have got to be bloody different to really make an impact. I say turn it all upside down."

However, although she's not keen on another dance show hitting the small screen, Arlene has said she'd jump at the chance to reclaim her seat on the judging panel of 'Strictly Come Dancing' after she was axed and replaced by Alesha Dixon in 2009.

Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, she said: "I would go back to judging on TV if I was asked. I like opening my mouth and telling people what I think."

Arlene isn't the first person to slam the BBC's new show as it's believed Michael McIntyre is furious with Simon Cowell because he thinks the format is too similar to a segment - The Unexpected Star - on his series 'Michael McIntyre's Big Show'.

A source said recently: "It's all very embarrassing.

"Michael knows Simon well because he was a judge on 'Britain's Got Talent' but now they're at loggerheads over this. Michael was not happy. The similarities between The Unexpected Star and 'The Greatest Dancer' are simply uncanny.

"Michael might think Simon's show is a copy but in fact this surprise stunt is not new to telly and has been used in various shows over the years."

'The Greatest Dancer' will see performers show off their talents to a panel of people, while the real judges - Cheryl and Ashley Banjo - will be watching on from backstage.

The judges will then be given the chance to hit a button if they like the act.

A BBC spokesperson has confirmed 'The Greatest Dancer' is still scheduled to go ahead next year but they're yet to confirm the format following the successful pilot.

The broadcaster said in a statement: "'The Greatest Dancer' will go ahead but the format has yet to be confirmed.

"The pilot show contained a surprise element but it is a format that's in development."

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