Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan has defended new show judge, Alesha Dixon.

Alesha was brought in to replace long standing judge Arlene Phillips on the show, sparking a huge ageism debate.

Speaking to The Mirror, Jordan commented: “I love Alesha. I met her when she danced on Strictly and she’s a lovely girl.

“She got the job, why shouldn’t she take it? I think she’s brilliant, I like her as a person and am really supportive of her because it’s unfair she’s had a hard time.”

Jordan added: “Strictly changes the professional dancers every year so why not change the judges too? It’s what’s best for the show. Alesha does know what everyone’s going through too. You can’t explain what it’s like to come out on the dancefloor.”