Former Mis-Teeq singer set to join Simon Cowell and chums on Britain’s Got Talent.
Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon has announced she is leaving the BBC dance contest. Dixon, who won the show in 2007, will be joining the judging panel on Simon Cowell’s ITV show Britain’s Got Talent – reportedly tripling her salary in the process. “It was never about the money,” Dixon’s agent told The Daily Mail, while apparently managing to keep a straight face.
The 33-year-old former Mis-Teeq singer drew widespread criticism when she took 68-year-old Arlene Phillips’ place as a Strictly judge in 2009, with the BBC accused of ageism and dumbing-down. So will Dixon find her natural home on Britain’s Got Talent? And who will take her place on X Factor-slaying Saturday night behemoth Strictly Come Dancing?
Better off BGT. Dixon is “a better fit for the show that deals in streetdance and novelty acts than the more formal, rarefied world of ballroom”, wrote Michael Hogan in The Telegraph. Hogan pointed out that Dixon struggled to win over Strictly viewers given her lack of formal qualifications for the role of judge: “She didn’t naturally speak the language of ballroom, so tended to stick to vague encouragements rather than technical insights.”
Alesha Dixon will be joining Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Amanda Holden on the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel.
Come on, Arlene. Now Dixon’s departure has been confirmed, speculation is mounting as to her replacement, with some fans calling for the return of dance doyenne Arlene Phillips. According to The Daily Mail, an internet campaign is already underway for the reinstatement of the opinionated choreographer. Showbiz journalist Dan Wootton tweeted: ”The BBC should do the right thing and bring @arlenephillips back to Strictly Come Dancing. She’s the overwhelming fan favourite.” However, Phillips fans should prepare for disappointment: according to William Hill, the odds of her returning are 20/1, while former dancer Karen Hardy is favourite. Previous contestants Kara Tointon and Jill Halfpenny are also apparently in contention.
Watch your weight. Britain’s Got Talent is not Dixon’s only new project for 2012. The singer is also fronting a new Weight Watchers campaign, which sees successful members dancing in the street to the tune of her latest single, “Do It Our Way (Play)”. The Mirror described the song as “an uplifting anthem of confidence and self expression”, which are not quite the words The Periscope Post would use. See the video below and decide for yourself: Uplifting or cat in a blender?
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