It's strictly the axe for celeb judge Arlene Phillips

Arlene Phillips has been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing, it was reported today.

Last dance: Arlene to leave judging panel

The 66-year-old choreographer was told last night she wouldn't be returning as a judge for the seventh series of the celebrity reality show.

Following top-level talks, BBC1 bosses decided they wanted to inject some youth and glamour into the show and have reportedly replaced her with pop star Alesha Dixon.

Although no contracts have been signed, they hope Dixon, 30, who was the winner in series five of the show, will be the "perfect replacement".

A source said: "It's nothing personal against Arlene - she's been brilliant.

"But the bosses want to bring in younger viewers - the 16- to 34-year-olds that X Factor mops up."

Phillips has been with the show since it launched in 2004, but came under fire last year when she criticised journalist and broadcaster John Sergeant's efforts as a contestant.

Dixon saw her career take off after she beat former EastEnders actor Matt Di Angelo, 22, to win Strictly Come Dancing in 2007. The source went on: "Alesha knows a thing or two about dancing."

Producers also plan to bring over more American dancers and sign up some top celebs in an attempt to encourage raunchier routines.

The new series, starting in autumn, is expected to be scheduled head -to-head with The X Factor on some weekends.