BBC Strictly Come Dancing star says she's 'in talks' over return after being sacked

A BBC Strictly Come Dancing star has hinted at a sensational return to the programme - 15 years on from her SACKING. Arlene Phillips has moved to hint at a return to Strictly after being fired from the BBC show's judging panel 15 years ago.

Arlene, who has subsequently starred in ITV I'm A Celebrity since she left the BBC show, has hinted she could return to Strictly Come Dancing. Dame Arlene used to make-up one-fourth of the judging panel alongside the late Len Goodman.

Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Horwood were the other judges. Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the Pride of Britain Awards, she said: "I've been filming something today, which will be coming out soon and is hilarious.

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"It's something to do with dancing." When asked if she has any plans for a Strictly comeback, Arlene teased: "Maybe a little chat..." Arlene rose to fame in the 1970s as the leader of the dance troupe Hot Gossip. She was a judge on Strictly from 2004 to 2008 before being replaced by the then 30-year-old Alesha Dixon in 2009, sparking allegations of ageism against the BBC.

Dame Arlene says she found out that she was no longer a judge while listening to the radio. At the height of the furore, then-equality minister Harriet Harman called for Dame Arlene to make a return to the BBC show, saying that she was a victim of “age discrimination” in the House of Commons.

Dixon, who won the competition in 2007 before being appointed, was later replaced and the judging line-up now includes Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke. Dame Arlene was also a judge on the BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance, when it aired briefly from 2010 to 2011 for two series, and has also choreographed West End shows.