Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly making way for Arlene Phillps to return for the next series of the show.

Arlene was sacked from the judging panel last year and replaced by singer and former Strictly winner, Alesha Dixon. Dixon has been coy about whether or not she intends to return to the show, with her manager even describing it as ‘so last year.’

The 66 year old choreographer has previously said that she would never return, but seems to be softening her stance on the subject.

A source told The News Of The World: “Last year she said she’d never go back. But she’s been on the Strictly tour with Len, Bruno and Craig, and remembered how much fun they have.

“She’s concentrating on her new show So You Think You Can Dance but her position on Strictly is never say never. She’s made sure she has time in her schedule.”

A source close to the other judges said: “They have nothing against Alesha, but if she doesn’t return they’d very much like Arlene to be back in the chair she rightly deserves.

“They admit the show lost something without her.”