Alesha Dixon to join "Strictly" judging panel

LONDON (Reuters) - Singer Alesha Dixon and former Royal Ballet star Darcey Bussell will join the "Strictly Come Dancing" panel of judges when the programme returns in the Autumn, the BBC announced on Thursday.

Dixon, 30, who won series five of the programme in 2007, will replace Arlene Phillips as a permanent member of the judges while Bussell will appear as a guest judge towards the end of the coming run.

"As former Strictly champion, Alesha knows exactly what it takes to win," said Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One. "Her eye for great performance and her charisma and charm make Alesha a great addition to the judging panel.

"Darcey has impeccable credentials as a dancer and, as a guest judge, she will bring an exciting new dimension to the last few weeks of the Strictly competition."

Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood are all set to return to the show this Autumn.

(Reporting by Olivia Smart; Editing by Steve Addison)