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Revealed: BBC memo censoring Strictly Come Dancing stars
Georgina Littlejohn, London LiteUpdated 13:45pm on 23 Sep 2009
THE STARS of Strictly Come Dancing have been banned from speaking out over the Alesha Dixon row.
Ex judge: Arlene has been replaced by Alesha
BBC bosses sent out a secret memo to all celebrities, judges and dancers on the show telling them how to answer questions about 30-year-old Dixon replacing former judge Arlene Phillips, 66.
Secrecy: the memo told stars what to say about Arlene
The briefing document, told them what answers to give about Phillips's departure, Dixon's ability and the ageist and sexist row surrounding the show.
"New voice": Judge Alesha Dixon
But one celebrity accused the BBC of trying to gag them, claiming: “It's as if they are trying to brainwash us.”
The document, which was also sent out to all publicists connected to the show, was entitled Briefing Note For Dancers, Judges And Celebs, and was in a question-and-answer format.
When asked about the decision to replace Phillips with Dixon, performers were told to say: “Arlene's a good friend and I'm happy she will continue to be part of the Strictly family in her role on The One Show. I'm also looking forward to having Alesha join the series.” They were also advised that when asked if the BBC is “ageist or sexist” they should reply: “Age or gender has absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene.”
And they were told to answer: “No comment,” if asked whether the show would lose viewers because of it.
The brief was put to the test at the launch of the new series earlier this month, as revealed by the Lite. A source said: “Answers from each of the celebrities were virtually identical. It was embarrassing.”
This all comes as BBC bosses have decided to make the 3 October edition more than two hours long, which will add to the backlash from viewers over its schedule clash with The X Factor. It will run from 7pm — 45 minutes before the ITV talent show starts — to 9.15pm, the same time The X Factor finishes.
Reader views (13)
I agree viewers decide winners. Not a good idea for judges to decide. Very embarrasing for the dancers. I would like to see these judges dance. Winning once does not suggest one is a good judge.
- Kathleen King, London, England, 08/12/2009 18:31
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If the BBC wanted Alesha why not make her the fifth judge and avoid old Len having 2 votes.
If money is not available then get rid of the talentless Tess for Alesha.
Simple!
- Lynne Varley, wakefield england, 24/09/2009 23:40
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There was no need to replace Arlene, especially with someone who is so clearly out of their depth. If it was necessary to replace her then Karen Hardy would have been perfect, although I would still like to see her as one of the pro dancers. The only thing that really needs changing is Bruce Forsyth as he is an embarrassment with his feeble jokes and fluffing his lines. If they want to keep things fresh give his job to someone like Brian Connolly or Bradley Walsh.
- David Curwen, Staffordshire England, 23/09/2009 20:34
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ban the BBC now.
I am.
- Aisha Sian, london, 23/09/2009 15:34
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I have no problem with Alesha, but she should really stick to singing. At least Arlene knew what she was talking about.
- Lauren, London, 23/09/2009 14:59
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The whole thing is a disgrace and because of the BBC's decision to axe Arlene I'm voting with my remote control and turning 'Strictly Come Dancing' off. I have no intentions of watching this programme any longer, especially with someone like Alesha on the panel where she has no business being as she knows nothing about dancing or how to mark the contestants. This makes the whole thing a sham. I used to be a big BBC fan, but with the above bad decision plus taking Nicky Campbell and Julia Bradbury off 'Watchdog' and replacing them with the awful Ann Robinson I watch their channels less and less.
- Sixtysomething, North Yorkshire, 23/09/2009 14:48
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It's a disgrace that the BBC are preventing the judges and contestants from voicing their views.
Alesha must go now before any further damage is done to the reputation of the show.
Replace her with Karen Hardy - the true queen of SCD.
- Flirty, Ayr, 23/09/2009 14:30
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Alesha's insightful erudite comments are a credit to the greatest educational system the world has ever known
- David, Fulham UK, 23/09/2009 14:14
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When it was first announce that Arlene was to be axed and replaced by Alesha, Craig spoke out against the decision. He said it was ridiculous that Alesha, although a great competitor, should be put on the judging panel!
Now he is backing Alesha. His opinion can't possibly have changed. The only realistic option is that he ahas been gagged. Unfair!!!!!
- Susan, Ayrshire, 23/09/2009 14:00
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It was pretty clear that they are being brainwashed. On Monday's "It takes two" show Craig did a total u turn he had previously said how gutted he was that Arlene had been sacked and was one of the judges who wanted to challenge the BBC on their decision.
Having watched "It takes two" last night with Karen Hardy giving her views on the contestants and their dances, it is pretty clear to me who should be sitting in Arlene's seat on the judge's panel, not only does she know what she is talking about but she has won Strictly as well so knows what it entails. Has anyone taken the trouble to read her resume and see how many trophies she has, bet not, does anyone take into consideration that she herself is a judge, most definitely not. She was sacked as a dancer for being 39 but would still be the youngest judge so BBC bring her on board as a judge rather and let Alesha report on the practice sessions.
I think that the BBC have totally underestimated the public's reaction to this one.
- Niecie, London, 23/09/2009 13:05
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Noone is disputing the fact that Alesha is gorgeous! unfortunately this is not a necessary requirement for being a judge (or at least it shouldn't be) the bbc have taken a liking to Alesha so they are not interested in what the public think,even though we have to pay to watch their programmes!!! this also happened with the judges previously when Alesha was grossly overmarked. One judge commented this week that she was the best dancer they had ever had on strictly which i m o is rubbish, what about Jill Halfpenny has everyone forgotten her?
- Number 1, manchester, 23/09/2009 11:38
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I don't care what the detractors say. Alesha is gorgeous and a great performer. She will add a new voice to the panel. She is as talented as she is beautiful and she is very down to earth. We need more like her, and far fewer 'celebrities' that leave everyone asking what they are famous for.
- Peace Maker, Battersea, 23/09/2009 11:00
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Just don't vote on the phone, untill Arlene & Karen are reinstated with a fuul unconditional appology.
- David, Kingston, Surrey, 23/09/2009 10:20
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