Arlene Phillips is renowned for her sharp tongue, and tendency to tell things as they are.

Well she has done herself proud this week, when she told the Radio Times that she is worried because so many of the DanceX contestants are overweight.

“I’m looking for gorgeous, unusual, exotic dancers. I think the most important thing is not only that they can dance but also that they’re physically fit,” Arlene said. “I’m afraid I’m not flexible about and size and shape. But some of them look like puddings.”

DanceX begins on Saturday at 6.55pm on BBC One.