Strictly Come Dancing legend reveals she'll 'never forgive' bosses for her shock axing from BBC show

Ax from the Dance Floor

A STRICTLY Come Dancing legend has revealed she'll 'never forgive' bosses for axing her.

Dame Arlene Phillips has taken a fresh swipe at execs as she revealed she's finally 'accepted' her sacking.

Unforgotten Legacy

The 81-year-old was part of the judging lineup for the debut series and was a staple of the show until 2009.

She was then replaced by Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.

Unhealed Wounds

Now, 15 years later, Arlene said she still doesn't forgive the broadcaster for dropping her.

She told The Mirror: "Accepted but not forgiven. Yes, I have moved on. I suppose it is something to rejoice, and I can always remind myself; I was there at the pilot when nobody ever thought this show was going to be a show."

Judge's Regret

At the time of her axing, the Beeb faced backlash from angry viewers claiming they had discriminated because of Arlene's age.

The mum-of-two continued: "I was uninvited to return. And I think there's a big difference. If I had left the show, it would have been my choice. I actually feel even to this day, I wish it had been discussed. I wish that they had come to me and said, 'We're not going to keep you on', and what the reasons were, and then I could adjust myself to it."

Arlene added: "The truth is I just don't think they thought I was good enough. That's the truth about it. That's what really hurts because I felt like I was a good judge."

Feud on the Dance Floor

Last year Arlene sparked a new Strictly feud as she took a swipe at the judges.

She said she 'fast-forwards' Craig, Shirley, and Anton's comments because they 'go on far too long'.