Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Camilla Dallerup has come out in support of sacked judge, Arlene Phillips.

Phillips was sacked from the show last week and replaced with Alesha Dixon, however the move has angered many fans and shows insiders alike.

Dallerup told The Mirror: “It’s important to keep older people on programmes like Strictly because it was fantastic to have someone with so much experience. You can’t beat it.

“I have a lot of respect for Arlene and feel privileged I got to work with her. Everyone will miss her. I hate to think her going was to do with her age. That would be very sad.”

However, Dallerup is also behind Alesha, saying that she isn’t to blame for Arlene’s departure.

She commented: “It’s been hard for her because she’s had to hear so many people saying they want Arlene back. Everyone is jumping to conclusions that Alesha won’t do well, but people should give her a chance. She might be fantastic. She is a fantastic performer.”