Adrian Chiles joins 'Strictly' row

Adrian Chiles has criticised the BBC for axing Arlene Phillips from Strictly Come Dancing, branding the controversial decision "nonsense".

The One Show host admitted that he was surprised to see Phillips dropped from the contest's judging panel in favour of popstar Alesha Dixon last month.

Speaking to Broadcast magazine, he commented: "From a personal point of view, it's absolute bloody nonsense.

"They are dealing with issues I don't understand, but I thought it was nonsense."

Phillips will appear alongside Chiles and Christine Bleakley on The One Show this autumn when she begins her new role as the programme's Strictly expert.

She has also been tipped to work as a choreographer on the BBC One ballroom show when it returns next month.