The BBC confirmed yesterday the 66-year-old choreographer had been axed from hit BBC One celebrity talent show after six series, in favour of 40-year-old ballet star Bussell and 30-year-old singer Alesha Dixon, who won the competition in 2007.

Jay Hunt, controller for BBC One, said: "Arlene played a vital role in making Strictly a hit and I would like to thank her for all her work on the show."

Dixon will join judges Len Goodman, 65, and Bruno Tonioli, 53, when the show starts this autumn.

World-class ballet dancer Bussell will appear as a guest judge on the panel towards the end of the series.

Phillips will be joining BBC's The One Show later this year as the Strictly Come Dancing expert in the lead up to and across the 14-week run of the dancing show.

She said: "I am delighted to be part of The One Show. I will miss Strictly. It has been a big part of my life for six years."

Dixon said: "I'm honoured and excited to be joining the judging panel."

Bussell added: "It is a real pleasure to have been invited to join Strictly Come Dancing. It is a fantastic show and I'm looking forward to getting to know the dancers and being part of the excitement."