Arlene Phillips has admitted that she ‘lost confidence’ in herself after being sacked from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year.

Phillips admitted that she wasn’t expecting the news and was completely shocked by the BBC’s decision.

Speaking to Glamour magazine, Phillips explained: “The hardest thing was that I lost confidence in myself because of it. I think anyone would in that position, when you believe you’re doing a good job and then discover you’re not.

“I’m a harsh critic, but I’m my own harshest critic, so when I let somebody go there has to be a big reason for it. What happened was such a shock that I almost couldn’t take it in, and that hasn’t stopped. Not a day goes by that I don’t get letters and emails about it.”

Arlene will now judge on BBC’s newest dance show, So You Think You Can Dance.