STRICTLY Come Dancing legend Arlene Phillips has weighed in on the row over Layton Williams appearing on the show – despite his prior dance skills.
It comes as James Jordan insisted celebs are wasting their time signing up until they've had dance training.
Arlene insisted that the best dancers don't necessarily succeed on the show anyway.
In an interview with OK!, Arlene said: "I know they've got people on it that have danced in the past but, ultimately, Strictly nowadays is about who the public fall in love with.
"It's not always the best dancers.
"I just love the attitude of all the contestants this year. They're all so enthusiastic."
Arlene Phillips
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The 80-year-old was a judge on Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2008.
James accused the BBC of "going too far" by signing up people who have previously received professional dance training.
Speaking to HELLO, James said that Layton's performance with partner Nikita Kuzmin on Saturday was among his "favourite" dances ever from the show.
But he said: “He is a fully trained, professional dancer. When they came out, you had essentially two professional dancers next to each other."
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In a recent interview on BBC Breakfast, Arlene opened up about her time on the show and even hinted at a secret feud.
The dance legend said: "You form a bond with some, you actually can't stand others, but you know that's life."
On the show, she shared the panel with Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.
Arlene was later replaced by Alesha Dixon.
The star recently made an appearance as a special guest on the Dancing On Ice judging panel.ITV had been keen to get Arlene on the show for some time.
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