HAVE YOUR SAY: Arlene Phillips V Alesha Dixon
ARE television and radio companies discriminating against older women?
A national debate erupted after Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, 66, was dropped and replaced by singer Alesha Dixon, 30.
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Arlene Phillips and Alesha Dixon
More than 900 people called the BBC to complain about the move.
Meanwhile Radio 1 DJs Jo Whiley, 44, and Edith Bowman, 35, are to be replaced by Fearne Cotton, 27, and Greg James, 23.
What do you think?
Are TV and radio companies ageist against women?
Should Alesha replace Arlene or would you prefer to see the veteran choreographer back in the hot seat?
Should other stars like Selena Scott be back on our screens or do you prefer to see younger women presenting the news and current affairs?
Have your say using the story comment facility below.
26 Comments
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by Joanne Woodhouse, Leeds
Friday, October 16 2009, 8:13PM
“Alesha just does not get it, but then she is extremely thick and deluded. The BBC should just get on with it and sack her, put us all out of our misery.”
by Marrion Thomas, MANCHESTER
Friday, October 16 2009, 11:30AM
“Alesha must be the most detested person on tv. I personally cant stand her, she is a dumb and arrogant air-head, she is disgracefuly rude to the Strictly viewers.”
by Ann Gregory, Dorking
Wednesday, August 26 2009, 2:04PM
“I do not know if I want to watch stricktly now ,to think they would replace an attractive knowlegable woman with,well quite frankly a giggley girl really gets my goat.Alesha was alright as a contestant.and even so I was glad when she shut up with her silly giggling..to think we have to put up with her week after week.quite makes me have think do I,or don`t I...still maybe I c an turn the tele off when she comments....and giggles.. which rather defeats the objects.Oh the thought of it quite makes me depressed,BRING BACK ARLENE...”
by Evans, Cheltenham
Friday, July 31 2009, 11:01AM
“So its ok to slate Alesha for not having the knowedge and 'know how' to judge - but its ok to accept Piers Morgan and Amanda holden as judges on 'Britains got talent'
Why dont we all just meet down the pub instead and have a natter - they need our business!”
by dave, Cheltenham
Wednesday, July 29 2009, 11:08AM
“Out with the old wrinkly and in with the young totty :0)”
by Pete, Chelt
Tuesday, July 28 2009, 2:52PM
“No, viewers would prefer to see someone young, intresting and beatuiful on their screens (Alesha Dixon) than some old annoying hag (Arlene). Tv bosses are just giving public what they want.”
by Two Left Feet, Another TV Channel
Monday, July 27 2009, 12:17PM
“WHO BL**DY CARES!”
by anon, glos
Sunday, July 26 2009, 10:16PM
“I respect people that are good dancers because of the physical training and commitment needed to perfect a routine,however I dont respect the judges who are prompted by producers to say contriversial things that are intended to generate publicity,I find it amazing that on this page that people are so taken in by credentials of judges etc.”
by Amelia, Cheltenham
Sunday, July 26 2009, 7:02PM
“I agree its a shame Arlene is leaving but i do think this is being blown out of proportion. Alesha is a lovely girl, i think it would bring something new and fresh to an old and tired show.
Len is head judge so he needs to be there, Bruno is hillarious and irreplacable and Craig is "Mr Nasty" so really the only one left is Arlene. I didnt overly like the woman to be honest. I think people are mistaking the need to replace a judge to refresh a show for some sort of ageism thing.”
by queen beeeee, cheltenham
Sunday, July 26 2009, 6:55PM
“i like aleisha, but she is'nt right for the role, they should keep arlene as she knows what she's talking about. bring her back!!!”