Lythgoe praises 'Dance' judge Phillips

Nigel Lythgoe has claimed that Arlene Phillips is the perfect choice for the judging panel on the UK version of So You Think You Can Dance.

Earlier this week, Lythgoe confirmed that he would be bringing the dance talent show to the BBC in 2010. Phillips and the former Popstars judge will fill two spots on the show's panel.

"I've known Arlene for 100 years. We grew up together," he told The Sun. "There just isn't anybody who has the experience she has. She's honest - that's why I like her."

He added: "I don't understand anyone saying she's too old. I don't want young judges if I go to court. I want someone old-looking like Solomon."

When asked who he would get as the third judge, the 60-year-old revealed that he may go for a similar celebrity to American Idol's new appointment Ellen DeGeneres.

"The third judge I'm happy to play with. I've just used Ellen DeGeneres on our show over [in the US], before she was announced as the American Idol judge. She auditioned on my American show and then Fox 'stole' her," he said.