Len Goodman has cast doubts on rumours that Arlene Phillips is all set to return to Strictly Come Dancing later this year.

The choreographer was axed from the BBC show three years ago, when bosses decided they wanted a younger star on the panel and replaced her with Alesha Dixon. However, Alesha jumped ship last month and moved to rival channel ITV and their show Britain’s Got Talent and ever since, numerous so called insiders have been suggesting that Phillips is gearing up for her big return.

However, head judge Len Goodman isn’t so sure this will ever happen and told The Sun:

“I’ve been involved with Arlene on a project and we’ve had a chat and I’m not sure that she would really like to come back.

“If she comes back, jolly good.”

It was reported that Arlene has held a series of meetings with BBC bosses about a comeback.

Do you think she should do it? If not, who would you like to see in Alesha’s seat? Leave your comments below.

View the original post Len Goodman doesn’t think Arlene Phillips wants to come back for Strictly Come Dancing 2012 on Unreality TV

Len Goodman has hit out at Simon Cowell, for poaching Alesha Dixon from Strictly Come Dancing.

The dance expert is furious that the music mogul intentionally tried to de-stabilise his show by taking one one of his judges, and later openly admit his reasons for doing so.

The Britain’s Got Talent boss confessed recently that when he asked Alesha to be on his new panel, it was 70% because it would upset the BBC and 30% because he liked her.

Speaking to the Mirror a furious Goodman blasted his rival, saying:

“I would never knock the opposition and I think it is spiteful and mean if that is the case that Simon said ‘I just want to be spiteful towards Strictly’.

“Because why would you want to do that? Why would you want to spoil millions of people’s pleasures? It’s not the right way to behave, so if that is the case – shame on you, Simon.”

However, low though Simon’s actions were, the move seems to have paid off with most audience members at recent BGT auditions agreeing that this year’s panel could be the best yet.

The chemistry between Simon and David Walliams is said to be infectious and so far, people seem to have taken to Alesha as well.

Do you think Cowell was right to steal Dixon from Strictly? Leave your comments below….

View the original post Britain’s Got Talent 2012: Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman hits out at ‘spiteful’ Simon Cowell on Unreality TV

Len Goodman has reportedly asked Strictly Come Dancing bosses to reign in mouthy pro dancer James Jordan.

The hunky professional – who partners One Show host Alex Jones on the BBC reality TV series – hit out at the head judge on numerous occasions on Saturday’s live show and it seems Len is getting a bit sick of all the attitude.

At one point, after Goodman criticised Brendan Cole and Lulu’s Samba, James shouted down abuse from the gallery above. causing the judge to yell:

“All you have to do is turn up, keep up and shut up.”

Watch the video below.

James also blasted the pensioner, for his critique of his choreography, insisting all the pro dancers ‘know what we’re doing.’

The conflict seemed to get to Len and The Sun reports that while he is normally quite ‘placid’ backstage, on Saturday he was ‘riled’ because of James’ ‘lack of respect’ and storming around growling at everyone.

Goodman was said to be so angry with Jordan – who is married to fellow Strictly star Ola Jordan – that he was excessively harsh with a few other couples who performed later in the episode and took time to apologise to them afterwards.

Insiders say that producers have mediated between the pair and that they have both now agreed to keep things civil and to put their differences behind them. We bet that lasts all of five minutes this weekend!

Watch the video below and tell us, do you think James is getting too big for his boots?

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing: Len Goodman is FURIOUS with James Jordan on Unreality TV

He’s a world away from X factor boss Simon Cowell, who just can’t get his hands on enough money, because Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman has admitted that he is overpaid.

The dance expert reportedly rakes in around £90,000 for the BBC reality TV series, but that doesn’t compare to his £250,000 fee for appearing on the American version, ‘Dancing With The Stars’.

Admitting that judging on TV shows is a sweet gig, Len told Metro:

“I get overpaid, I get potloads of money… Too much isn’t it?”

He also revealed that he thinks this year BBC bosses have lined up the best batch of celebrities yet, because he is surprised that he knows most of the people competing for the glitterball trophy.

Goodman added:

“This is the first time I know more of the celebrities than those I don’t know,” he added. “Normally, because I don’t watch ‘EastEnders’ or ‘Holby

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Len Goodman thinks he gets paid too much! on Unreality TV

Although the tough-talking panellists will of course have to exchange opinions when the BBC One show returns to TV screens next month, Len says has no interest in chatting to Bruno when the cameras stop rolling.

The bickering pair – who are joined on the panel by judges Craig Revel Horwood and Alesha Dixon – take an 11 hour-flight to Los Angeles every Saturday to shoot US series ‘Dancing with the Stars’ before returning to the UK days later, and Len wants some time to himself between the shows.

A source told the Daily Star, “Len has told Bruno he has to keep quiet throughout the flight…

“Bruno gets very excited and animated and Len won’t get any peace and quiet unless his co-star keeps his mouth shut. It’s going to be a tough challenge.”

Celebrities tipped to be taking part in this year’s series – which will once again by hosted by Sir Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly – include ‘The One Show’ presenter Alex Jones, former ‘EastEnders’ star Anita Dobson, ex-footballer Robbie Savage and astrologer Russell Grant.

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Len Goodman has told Bruno Tonioli, “Don’t speak to me!” on Unreality TV

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Patsy Kensit has admitted that she has a bit of a crush on head judge Len Goodman.

The 42 year old star planted a smacker on Len last week and revealed that she thought he looked so dashing on the night, she just couldn’t help herself.

“I’ve got a crush on Len,” Patsy told The Sun. “I just think there’s something about him. That’s why I squeezed in the kiss, I just couldn’t help myself.”

However, her 11-year-old son Lennon wasn’t impressed by the smooch.

Patsy laughed:

“He got upset when I kissed Len. I went home and he said, ‘Why are you kissing men on TV!’.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Patsy Kensit ‘has a crush’ on Len Goodman on Unreality TV

The male Strictly Come Dancing judges are reportedly disappointed that Alesha Dixon will be returning to the show this year.

Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood are said to be convinced that Alesha is just using the BBC dance extravaganza to promote her music career. They are also said to be upset at how long Alesha kept the channel waiting before she signed her contract last month.

A source told The Mirror:

“Len and the boys are less than delighted. They don’t believe she’s doing it for the right reasons. and aren’t happy about how she kept everyone on tenterhooks.

“They’re saying the main reason she’s doing it is to promote her music.”

The source added: “Alesha loves being on the show but if her single took off she wouldn’t have bothered returning.

“Len is very unhappy. He likes Alesha – but he knows she’s not doing the show because of her love of dance.”

However a spokesman said: “All the judges are really excited about Alesha returning to the show.”

And in today’s Sun Len is quoted as saying:

“Alesha did a terrific job last year.”

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood added: “Alesha has every right to be on the panel. She knows what it’s like to be judged”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Len Goodman is unhappy with Alesha Dixon’s return on Unreality TV

Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman thinks the show could take on The X Factor this year, if they had a big named star like Catherine Zeta Jones.

The BBC dance show has been losing the Saturday night ratings battle for the past few years, but Goodman thinks that could all change with the right lineup.

Speaking to the Sunday Express, Goodman said: “It would be great to have a big star like Catherine Zeta-Jones on the show. She’s a dancer and more punters would tune in to watch someone like her.”

He added: “Simon Cowell’s done a brilliant job with The X Factor, but if we got big stars for the new series we could be up there again.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Len Goodman wants Catherine Zeta Jones on Unreality TV

Len Goodman has admitted that he isn’t sure if the BBC will offer him a role on Strictly Come Dancing this year.

Len has acted as head judge on the BBC dance show since it’s inception in 2004, however after bosses announced a big shake up amongst the professional dancers in the upcoming series, the former professional ballroom dancer has admitted that he doesn’t know if he will be invited back.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph Goodman commented: “They have had a bit of a chop and a change, I have heard, but, if it is my turn, well, so be it. I am waiting for the contract to come through.

“Of course, I would love to do it. The BBC usually get in touch around this sort of time. They haven’t been in communication with me yet, so I am still waiting.”

View the original post Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Len Goodman may not be back on Unreality TV

Len Goodman has revealed that his mum wants him to stay on as head judge for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing series.

The star’s 93-year-old mum Louisa loves the BBC dance competition and monitors her sons behaviour during each show.

Speaking to The Mirror, Len commented: “She would really smack my bottom if I said ‘no’. She’s a huge fan of the show.

“She’s always telling me off for this, that and the other. If I’m nasty to a couple she’ll phone up and vote for them!”

However Len warned that there is always the chance that BBC bosses will decide to drop him instead.

He added: “I’m not going to be here forever, am I? If they ask me I will definitely be coming back. But I do understand they like to revamp things and tweak it.”

View the original post Len Goodman’s mum wants him on Strictly Come Dancing 2010 on Unreality TV