Report: Daly signs new 'Strictly' deal

Tess Daly has signed a new two-year deal to co-host Strictly Come Dancing, say reports.

According to The Mirror, for which Daly writes a regular column, the mother-of-two will present the show until at least 2010.

"She has signed a six-figure deal for two years," said a source.

Yesterday, tabloid reports claimed that judge Arlene Phillips has been axed from the BBC One reality show. 2007 Strictly champion Alesha Dixon is rumoured to be replacing her on the panel.

Dixon has not denied the rumours, but has scheduled tour dates when the new series will be on air. The BBC said that it could not confirm who would be returning to the show, but admitted that it was "always looking" at ways to "maximise viewers' enjoyment".

Choreographer Phillips is not upset about departing the programme and "understands the BBC's decision", according to The Sun.

"She has got lots of other stuff lined up," said a source. "She won’t be twiddling her thumbs."