Dame Arlene Phillips is set to return to 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Dame Arlene Phillips

Dame Arlene Phillips

The 78-year-old star - who was a judge on the show for the first six series, until being replaced by Alesha Dixon - is said to have been invited back to the BBC Latin and ballroom show for a "one-off stunt".

It comes after Arlene was rumoured to be lined up as a contestant on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' - which is co-hosted by Ant and Dec - this year.

A TV insider said: "They want her back as a one-off stunt after she’s been with Ant and Dec."

Arlene's departure from 'Strictly' aged 66 saw the show embroiled in controversy over alleged ageism, as she was replaced by a then-30-year-old Alesha - but the BBC denied the allegations.

The dance expert previously insisted she has no idea why she was axed.

She has said: "I’ve never really been given a real reason. I don’t think I will ever know the answer.

"Certainly after 'Strictly' I was in a very vulnerable situation."

But it's now thought a one-off return could show there is "no bad blood".

The insider added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "To have Dame Arlene make a special appearance on 'Strictly' would suggest there’s no bad blood any more.

"It would look good after they got rid of her all those years ago."

However, a 'Strictly' source has said there are no plans for any guest judges to appear during the show's current run.

This comes after it was reported Arlene is being lined up for this year's 'I'm A Celebrity', and should she appear in the show she will be the oldest-ever contestant on the ITV programme, and the first Dame.

A source said earlier this month: "Arlene is strong and tough and her energy is boundless.

"No doubt she’ll have the group dancing around the campfire in a bid to beat the cold and keep morale high. Should be fun."

Also this week, in-demand Arlene has been linked to the 'Dancing on Ice' judging panel to replace John Barrowman.