The Oxo lady, Lynda Bellingham has reportedly signed up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Producers are said to be hoping that the appearance of the older actress will help diffuse the scandal caused by the replacement of Arlene Phillips with Alesha Dixon.

A source told The Mirror: “Lynda is a great signing and hopefully her appearance helps to illustrate that there is no age bias. We want a fresh and varied lineup and we know Lynda would be a handful.

“Having seen her on Loose Women, she will give as good as she gets if things get heated in training or in front of the judges.”