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Arlene Phillips blasts Strictly for ‘ridiculously’ high scores
By Alistair Foster, London Lite Last updated at 13:05pm on 28.09.09Arlene Phillips has hit out at the Strictly Come Dancing judges for being too generous with their scores.
The former dancer, 66, who was replaced as a judge on the BBC1 show by pop star Alesha Dixon, 30, said the panel was giving the contestants “ridiculously” high marks out of 10.
“Points are too high”: Arlene Phillips
She said: “I've done an overall mark for everybody and theirs are nowhere near where mine are. I think Craig is the only one marking what he sees, and he gets booed.” Saturday night's show saw the panel award 32 out of 40 points to Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle despite it being his first dance on the show.
Footballers' Wives actresses Zoe Lucker and Laila Rouass both scored 30 in their first ever dance. She also hit out at the decision of most judges to give Jo Wood five out of 10.
Jockey Richard Dunwoody became the second contestant to be kicked off the show, following former tennis ace Martina Hingis, who left last week.
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Reader views (6)
If she'd watched "Dancing with the Stars" last night, she would have seen all three judges giving the celebs very high scores and its only the first week - can't blame Alesha for that one!
- Kathy, London
Well, I think you're right Arlene.
- Judith, KIng's Lynn, Norfolk, UK
its only a show if you don't like it turn off !
- Babs, Norfolk
At least we are spared Arlene's really lame "jokes". She added nothing to the show other than a certain "cringe" factor when she tried to be funny.
Alesha brings an ex contestant's view to the table. She did win the competition after all.
- Alan Combe, London
Arlene, It would be best not to comment and keep your dignity. We are all aware your expertise is missing and so will the Luvvies at the Beeb.
- Mike,, London
So everybody's out of step except Arlene !!
- George, Cambridge UK
