BBC chief: I’m Strictly against X Factor clash

Upset: Alesha Dixon

Sir Michael Lyons said the celebrity dance programme had lost viewers by broadcasting at the same time as the ITV talent show.

Reacting to the scheduling row — which saw Strictly moved from its Saturday early evening slot to compete directly with The X Factor, Sir Michael said the BBC should be focusing on the "quality and impact of its programmes, not just audience share". He added: "Viewers were asked to make a choice and that choice didn't go in favour of the BBC."

Sir Michael revealed the row had been discussed with BBC director-general Mark Thompson who satisfied trustees it was not easy to avoid a ratings clash between the two shows.

The X Factor, which ran from 8pm to 9.15pm on Saturday, hit a peak audience of 10.7 million compared with a peak of 8.7 million for Strictly, which aired between 7.25pm and 9.05pm. Sir Michael's comments came as the BBC revealed nearly 300 people had complained about Alesha Dixon's debut as a judge on Strictly.

This brought the number of complaints to 4,107 since it was announced the 30-year-old would replace Arlene Phillips, 66. Fans have used online forums to moan about Dixon, saying her comments were "banal" and that she had nothing to offer. The singer, who won Strictly in 2007, has defended herself but admitted she was "wounded" by the backlash. She said: "I'm the only judge who understands what the celebrities are going through."

Meanwhile, Alesha's words of wisdom are under the spotlight...
As the debate continues over Alesha Dixon's performance on Strictly Come Dancing's judging panel, here are some of her comments from her debut show.

To actress Lynda Bellingham:"One word. Fierce."

To boxer Joe Calzaghe: "Was you smelling her hair at one point? I thought he was smelling her hair."

Bastian: "One of the most beautiful dancers I've ever seen. Your lines are beautiful. You're just so beautiful to watch."

To ex tennis star Martina Hingis: "You need to work on your arms more. They were a bit flyaway."

To actor Ricky Groves: "He's wearing pink. He should get points for wearing pink. I love a man in pink."

To TV presenter Rav Wilding:"There was some hip action going on there... But there was some weird arms going on that was a bit odd."