Alesha Dixon SCD Judge, Arlene Sacked?, update: officially confirmed

Strictly's second ageism row
By CARA LEE

PSTRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have sparked another ageism row - by sacking the show's oldest female dancer.

Karen Hardy, 39, has been axed from the popular programme after four series, in favour of a younger face.

A source told a newspaper: "Karen is gone and it is no surprise seeing what is happening to older females at the BBC.

"As far as the bosses are concerned they are keeping things fresh and exciting, but some viewers may see it as ageism."

Karen won the competition in 2006 with cricketer Mark Ramprakash.

The move follows the BBC's decision to replace judge Arlene Phillips, 66, with Strictly's 2007 champ Alesha Dixon, 30.

It sparked more than 1,000 complaints from viewers, with many threatening to boycott the show when it returns in September.

The Sun, 03/08/09.

I take back my earlier comments.

This clearly is about getting rid of the older women on the show. Shame on the BBC.

Shame on Jay Hunt.
She must almost be not in the first flush of youth.
I hope they throw her to the far end of the scrap heap when she reaches a certain age.

BBC Denies Ageism

The BBC says its decision to change dancer Karen Hardy's role on Strictly Come Dancing has "absolutely nothing to do with age".

Recent reports claimed the 39-year-old was being replaced by younger dancers.

The BBC said it was a "mutual decision" to end Hardy's tenure as a dancer. The star said she was "discussing new ways" to be part of the show.

The Latin American specialist won the fourth series of Strictly with cricketer Mark Ramprakash in 2006.

In a statement, Hardy said she was also looking at "a number of exciting projects and opportunities that have come my way".

The BBC added: "She's been a fantastic dancer on Strictly for the past four years and we are in discussions with her as to what her new role will be in this year's series."

It is thought her new role could involve working on the spin off BBC Two show, It Takes Two.

The announcement comes shortly after the BBC said Arlene Phillips, 66, would be moved from the judging panel in favour of former winner and pop star Alesha Dixon, 30.

Waveguide, 04/08/09.

I think the BBC lost track of the truth some time ago

BBC row heats up

A BBC boss has waded into the row over colleague Jay Hunt's links to a firm earning thousands in licence fee cash.

BBC Vision director Jana Bennett said the £280,000-a-year BBC1 controller had not broken rules by also being company secretary of her husband's firm, which coaches Beeb presenters.

It made £117,000 profit last year.

Ms Bennett said: "We should judge our public servants on their record."

Hunt was blasted last month for blowing £2,000 of public cash on star's gifts and axing Strictly Come Dancing host Arlene Phillips, 66, prompting 1,500 complaints.

The Sun, 05/08/09.

I would love to know which TV presenters have been trained by her family's company.

Bad smell.

the whole country is rapidly descending into the gutter

Arlene signs for 2nd Beeb show

ARLENE Phillips has been signed up to a second new show on the BBC - she will choreograph Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's Wizard of Oz talent search for a new Dorothy and Toto next spring.

Arlene, 66, who was replaced by Alesha Dixon on the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, will also appear as a judge alongside "Nasty" Nigel Lythgoe on BBC1's So You Think You Can Dance in January.

The Sun, 15/10/09.

I still think she should be back in her rightful place on Strictly