Arlene Phillips has claimed that she won’t return to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, even if her replacement does leave.

Reports suggest that Alesha Dixon, who was brought in to replace Arlene on the Strictly judging panel last year, may be about to leave to further her music career. But when asked if she would be prepared to make a comeback on the show, the So You Think You Can Dance judge told Hello magazine:

‘I never even entertain that question.’

‘It’s something that’ll never happen,’ she added. ‘I don’t even think about it.’

Arlene will be appearing on the show’s UK wide tour though. She explained:

‘It’s the perfect way to say, ‘Hi, I’m here and thank you for your support. I’ve always been passionate about Strictly.’