Mark Foster: 'Alesha has charisma'

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Mark Foster has praised the show's controversial new judge Alesha Dixon.

The ex-Olympic swimmer, who competed on last year's series, told The Mirror that Dixon is improving after making a shaky debut on the ballroom show's panel.

He commented: "Alesha struggled to find her feet - and she got a slating. But just like the contestants, she is getting better and better.

"Last week she was saying a lot more. She brings a freshness and charisma to the judging panel."

Dixon faced calls to quit Strictly earlier this month after some viewers decided that she was a poor replacement for Arlene Phillips, who was axed in an ageism row.

Foster insisted: "It has nothing to do with ageism, but I think the show needed a shake-up. She'll be great."

Dixon's manager Malcolm Blair recently described the Strictly backlash as unfair and "disappointing".