Halfpenny: 'Dixon will do really well'

Jill Halfpenny has become the latest celebrity to defend Strictly Come Dancing's new recruit Alesha Dixon.

The actress, who won the ballroom show's second series in 2004, claimed that Dixon brings a fresh insight to the judging panel because she doesn't focus on technical concerns.

Dixon's debut as a judge on the programme was slammed by some viewers and critics last week.

However, speaking to BBC Leeds, Halfpenny explained: "Alesha is going to be talking to us from a completely entertainment view, she's not going to be talking about heel leads or anything like that - in a way, she's probably going to represent the everyman.

"She's a lovely girl and I think she'll do really well."

Show producers confirmed Dixon's post on the show in July following the departure of professional choreographer Arlene Phillips.

Halfpenny added: "Sometimes shows decide to take a different direction - they decide to move on for whatever reason they think.

"Unfortunately we are losing Arlene who was fantastic, and who I've got a lot of respect for, but we're gaining Alesha, who I feel exactly the same about."

Bruce Forsyth, Justin Lee Collins, Cheryl Cole and Vanessa Feltz have also backed Dixon in recent days.