Morgan: 'Phillips hurt by Strictly sacking'

Piers Morgan has claimed that Arlene Phillips has experienced "real hurt" since her sacking from Strictly Come Dancing.

Phillips, who was controversially replaced by popstar Alesha Dixon on the reality talent contest earlier this year, appeared with Morgan alongside Ulrika Jonsson during the recent Newsroom's Got Talent charity event, the Daily Mail reports.

Morgan said: "She was delightful. 'Does it feel weird to be back doing this kind of thing after all the furore over your sacking?' I asked, as we took our seats.

"'Very,' she admitted. 'I'm actually quite nervous.' She needn't have worried. When I announced 'Ladies and gentlemen, Arlene Phillips is back where she belongs,' there was a huge and heartfelt cheer."

He added: "'I have to admit,' I said during a break a bit later, 'I do feel a bit sorry for your replacement Alesha Dixon. She's going through a pretty horrible time'. 'Yes, well, I've been through a pretty horrible time, too,' Arlene replied, firmly.

"And for the first time, I could see the real hurt she's feeling at losing the job she loved. I hope she gets another big show soon, because apart from being a TV natural, Arlene looks quite fabulous for her age - 66 - thus making the whole age debate about her seem utterly superfluous."

Phillips recently confirmed that she would appear on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour in 2010.