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‘Strictly Come Dancing’: Arlene Phillips Doesn’t Rate Her Chances Of Replacing Len Goodman

'I just don’t think it’ll happen.'
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Arlene Phillips has made no secret of the fact she’d love to return to the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judging panel, but she’s now admitted that she doesn’t rate her chances of being invited back.

The former dancer was on the panel of the BBC ballroom show until 2009, when she was replaced by Alesha Dixon, but there’s now a judging spot available, as Len Goodman has announced that the upcoming series will be his last.

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Arlene Phillips
Dave J Hogan via Getty Images

Sadly, while Arlene wants the job, she’s admitted that a ‘Strictly’ comeback isn’t likely.

Speaking to the Daily Star, she said: “A lot of people have been saying they want to see me back on the show. But I just don’t think it’ll happen.

“I’m not even going to go there because I don’t think they’ll ask me. But what will be will be.”

While the BBC are yet to reveal their plans for when Len leaves, former ‘Strictly’ pro Trent Whiddon claimed last week that his replacement is a “done deal”.

“It isn’t official yet, but it may as well be – it’s long been virtually guaranteed that Anton will fill any gaps on the judging panel,” he said.

“He’s such a big part of the family and viewers love him, so BBC bosses know there’s no risk of it not working out.”

Meanwhile, Alesha has had her say on the matter, calling for the Beeb to keep the panel as it is, and make Craig Revel-Horwood head judge.

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'Strictly Come Dancing' 2016: All The Rumoured Contestants
Robert 'Judge Rinder' Rinder(01 of12)
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A rumour we're praying is true just to see him going head to head with Craig Revel Horwood every week, the daytime staple is said to be on producers' wishlists. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Cheryl Baker(02 of12)
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The only woman we think of when we hear 'Cheryl' and 'national treasure' in the same sentence, the former Bucks Fizz singer is said to have been courted by 'Strictly' for a number of years. (credit:Ross Gilmore via Getty Images)
Paul Burrell(03 of12)
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After appearing in the 'I'm A Celebrity' jungle and a house guest on 'Celebrity Big Brother', the former royal butler is now tipped to be giving 'Strictly' a try. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Angelica Bell(04 of12)
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According to a report from June, Angelica is the first celebrity 'confirmed' for the 'Strictly' line-up. However, given the show was still months away at that point, we'll have to wait and see. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes(05 of12)
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Eamonn and Ruth - pictured here in a rather swanky photo from the NTAs - were chosen specifically by Craig Revel Horwood as his picks for this year's line-up.

He says: 'Wouldn’t it be great to have a husband and wife team on the show? It would be fantastic. But they’d be very competitive - the arguments at home...' (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Debbie McGee(06 of12)
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Debbie has said she'd love to take part in 'Strictly' in memory of her late husband, Paul Daniels, who was also a past contestant. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Ryan Thomas(07 of12)
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The former 'Coronation Street' actor has a lot of time on his hands now he's bid farewell to the cobbles - sparking speculation he's about to follow in former co-star Georgia May Foote's footsteps (or should that be footesteps?) (no it should probably be footsteps). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Tameka Empson(08 of12)
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Soap stars have become as integral a part as 'Strictly' as body glitter and Bruno Tonioli's exaggerated hand movements, so rumours of Tameka Empson's appearance could well have a grain of truth in them. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Måns Zelmerlöw(09 of12)
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Following his successful stint hosting Eurovision in 2016 (and performing a year earlier), BBC bosses were reported to be keen for Måns to appear on 'Strictly', with a source describing him as 'very good-looking' and 'eye candy'. (credit:IBL/REX/Shutterstock)
Michaela Strachan(10 of12)
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There are always a few BBC stars thrown into the mix when the 'Strictly' line-up is announced, and 'Springwatch' host Michaela is thought to be the latest. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
Michelle Dockery(11 of12)
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'Strictly' bosses are said to be 'desperate' to sign up former 'Downton Abbey' actress Michelle, particularly now she's no longer associated with ITV. (credit:Taylor Hill via Getty Images)
Charlotte Crosby(12 of12)
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Possibly hoping to ride the wave that Vicky Pattison created with her 'I'm A Celebrity' appearance, Charlotte is now hoping she can turn things around for herself with a stint on 'Strictly'.

She's even encouraged her fans to set up a petition on Twitter for the BBC to consider her for the show. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)

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