Justin Lee Collins backs Alesha Dixon

Justin Lee Collins has said that the producers of Strictly Come Dancing should give Alesha Dixon more freedom on the show.

The former host of spinoff Strictly Come Dancing: On Three told the BBC that Dixon is as suitable for her judging role as Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

Of Dixon, Collins said: "She would be brilliant, but she's clearly had her wings clipped and they just need to let that bird fly.

"The only one on that panel with any technical knowledge is Len Goodman, as he's the only one with any ballroom dancing experience."

He added: "Alesha is just as qualified, if not more so, to comment on the dances than Craig and Bruno because she's done it and she's won it. And she's got personality bursting out of her every pore."

Collins also called on host Bruce Forsyth to retire from the programme because he is "too old".