Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Ricky Whittle, has defended new judge, Alesha Dixon.

Alesha has come under fire since the show premiered last weekend for being too bland and sitting on the fence with her critiques. However Ricky has branded her ‘fantastic’ and asked the viewers to give her a chance.

The Hollyoaks star told The Belfast Telegraph: “Like anything, no-one likes change, people get comfortable and don’t like things done differently.

“But I think Alesha is fantastic and she has a lot to bring to the table.

“Not only is she technically trained but she also knows how the contestants will be feeling before they go out and dance.

“She didn’t mince her words either at the weekend. If she had something to say, she’d say it. Alesha is a strong lady and I think she should be given a chance.”