New Strictly Come Dancing judge Alesha Dixon joins Jonathan Ross for this week’s Friday Night With Jonathan Ross on BBC One.

Setting the Strictly record straight, she reveals that she didn’t know Arlene Phillips was out: “I knew nothing, I found out when everyone else did. I was as surprised as everyone else but I took all the flak for it.”

She also denies Arlene was a victim of ageism: “Personally I don’t think it’s about ageism, I think that’s a load of rubbish.”

Although she thought she might not be accepted – “I was worried the judges wouldn’t warm towards me” – she’s emerged stronger since the press scruitiny: “I thought I’m not going to let the media ruin my experience.

“It’s made me stronger. My life has never been smooth; it’s made me more determined, focused… I’m a fighter, I believe you have to rise above negativity.”

She says she fancies Ricky Groves to go the distance: “You want people who make you want to get up and join in.”

And she admits she isn’t surprised contestants have affairs: “It gets flirtatious, it doesn’t surprise me.”

Finally, she announces she’s joining BBC Children in Need this year.