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Gethin Jones supports 'Strictly' changes

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Gethin Jones supports 'Strictly' changes

WENN

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Gethin Jones has dismissed the row surrounding axed judge Arlene Phillips.

The TV presenter, who competed on the fifth series in 2007, claimed that the show's recent backlash has been fuelled by the media rather than genuine public anger.

Phillips, 66, was axed from the BBC One ballroom competition last month in favour of popstar Alesha Dixon, 30, leading to allegations of ageism.

Speaking to Now, Jones insisted: "Despite all the hoo-ha the papers have made, I'm sure [the viewers] will enjoy the seventh series as much as the sixth.

"I'm sure it'll be very different and I look forward to seeing how [Alesha] gets on."

Other ex-contestants including Louisa Lytton, Fiona Phillips and Rachel Stevens have spoken out in defence of Arlene in recent weeks.

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