BBC Strictly Come Dancing star teases major return 15 years after sacking

A former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star has teased fans with the possibility of an astonishing comeback, 15 years after being axed from the popular show.

Arlene Phillips, who was famously dropped from the Strictly judging panel a decade and a half ago, has sparked speculation about her return to the hit dance series.

Since her departure, Dame Arlene has appeared on ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and has now hinted at making a comeback to Strictly Come Dancing.

The esteemed choreographer, who was once part of the original line-up of judges alongside the beloved Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Craig Revel-Horwood, spoke to The Sun at the Pride of Britain Awards.

She commented: "I've been filming something today, which will be coming out soon and is hilarious. It's something to do with dancing."

When asked about the chances of her returning to Strictly, Arlene coyly replied: "Maybe a little chat..."

Arlene first became a household name in the '70s as the leader of Hot Gossip and served on the Strictly panel from 2004 until 2008.

However, she was replaced by Alesha Dixon in 2009, which led to accusations of ageism against the broadcaster.

Dame Arlene discovered her departure from the show via the radio and during the ensuing outcry, Harriet Harman, the then-equality minister, stood up in the House of Commons to address the situation.

They slammed what they believed was "age discrimination" and called for Arlene's reinstatement on the programme, reports Birmingham Live.

Dixon, who clinched the title in 2007 before joining the show, was subsequently replaced by Darcey Bussell, who later left the show.

Currently, the panel of judges comprises of Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.

Dame Arlene also served as a judge on the BBC's So You Think You Can Dance, which had a short run from 2010 to 2011 for two series, and she has choreographed for West End shows as well.

This season of Strictly Come Dancing is in full swing with four celebrities already leaving the competition.

Tom Dean, Toyah Willcox, Nick Knowles and most recently Paul Merson have all left the show, after failing to be saved by the judges.

However, the likes of Jamie Bortwick and Montell Douglas are storming ahead as they're joint top of the leaderboard with a near-perfect score of 39.

Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday on BBC One from 6:20pm.