FORMER ballerina Darcey Bussell has been revealed as the younger talent replacing Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips when the show returns this autumn.

The BBC confirmed today that 66-year-old choreographer Arlene 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, with 44-year-old choreographer Craig Revel Horwood also on the panel.

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

Phillips will join BBC's The One Show later this year as the Strictly Come Dancing expert in the lead up to and during the 14-week dancing competition.

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. I've always felt like part of the Strictly family and really believe in the show."

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

Bussell will also appear on It Takes Two, the BBC Two spin-off show.

Hunt said: "As a former Strictly champion, Alesha knows what it takes to win. Her eye for great perform-ance and her charisma and charm make Alesha a great addition to the judging panel.

"Darcey has impeccable credentials as a dancer and, as a guest judge, will bring an exciting new dimension to the last few weeks of the Strictly competition.

"I am delighted Arlene is forging a relationship with BBC One by joining the highly-successful The One Show team."