Dame Arlene Phillips is set to join the 'Dancing on Ice' judging panel.
Dame Arlene Phillips
The 78-year-old choreographer is said to be in advanced talks about replacing John Barrowman on the show, in what would be her first regular prime-time TV slot since she was dropped from 'Strictly Come Dancing' in 2009.
after shamed John Barrowman was shown the door.
A source told The Sun newspaper's TV Biz column: “The fact that Arlene is a mature woman with decades of experience in the dance world is seen as a huge asset for 'Dancing on Ice'.
"In contrast to what people see as her harsh treatment by 'Strictly', ITV bosses see her seniority as a brilliant way to create a diverse panel of experts on the show.
“It means the 'DOI' judges are now made of two men and two women spanning an extensive age range.”
Arlene's controversial dismissal from 'Strictly Come Dancing' at the age of 66 saw the show embroiled in controversy over alleged ageism, as she was replaced by the considerably less experienced Alesha Dixon, then aged 30, though the BBC denied the allegations.
The dance expert previously insisted she has no idea why she was axed.
She has said: “I’ve never really been given a real reason. I don’t think I will ever know the answer.
“Certainly after 'Strictly' I was in a very vulnerable situation.”
Meanwhile, John's exit from 'Dancing On Ice' after two seasons on the ice panel came after he was embroiled in a scandal for exposing himself in front of his co-stars on 'Doctor Who' and 'Torchwood'.
The actor – who played Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and starred as the character in the spin-off series ‘Torchwood’ – previously insisted his "high-spirited behaviour" was "only ever intended in good humour to entertain colleagues on set and backstage".
Speaking in May, he said: "With the benefit of hindsight, I understand that upset may have been caused by my exuberant behaviour and I have apologised for this previously.
"Since my apology in November 2008, my understanding and behaviour have also changed."
The actor previously apologised for his actions in 2008, when he admitted he "went too far".
He said at the time: "I apologise for any offence I have caused.
"I was joining in the light-hearted and fun banter of the show, and went too far."
'Diversity' performer Ashley Banjo and ice skating legends Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill are expected to remain in their judging positions.
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