Strictly Come Dancing 2012 **with spoilers**

[Perdita]

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestants Chelsee Healey and Nancy Dell'Olio have reportedly emerged as contenders to replace Alesha Dixon on the panel.

The pair - who finished second and 11th respectively in last year's series - are among the stars being considered to judge the BBC contest after Dixon quit for ITV show Britain's Got Talent last week.

Healey is believed to be a firm favourite with Strictly chiefs, while Dell'Olio is said to have been "wooing" executive producer Moira Ross with expensive trips and dinners in her bid to land the role.

"BBC bosses have a shortlist of about eight names and Chelsee is one of them," a source told The Mirror. "She would do really well with younger viewers and help bring in a new demographic.

"As a successful past contestant - like Alesha was - Chelsee will understand exactly what the celebs are going through and bring with her that empathy.

"Bosses have already sounded Chelsee out but Nancy has her heart set on the role. She was one of the main reasons the last series had such fantastic ratings. She believes people stopped watching when she was booted off and thinks her sense of fun and unique personality are just what Strictly Come Dancing needs."

Karen Hardy was named as the early favourite to join the Strictly panel, though Nicole Scherzinger of The X Factor USA and Miranda Hart have more recently been linked to the job.

Dixon's predecessor Arlene Phillips appeared to confess this weekend that she has been struggling to cope with speculation about her return to the show.

[Tuareet]

Nancy Dell'Olio!! Are they having a laugh, she is completely up herself! No way should she even be considered fit to be a judge on Strictly.

[tammyy2j]

Bring Arlene back

[moonstorm]

Bring anyone back apart from Nancy!

[megan999]

Why is Miranda Hart being considered? Can't stand Nancy. Thumbs up for Arlene from me

[lizann]

Nancy Dell'Olio!! Are they having a laugh, she is completely up herself! No way should she even be considered fit to be a judge on Strictly.

Louie Spence please

[Katy]

Karen Hardy would be great!

[Chloe O'brien]

Why is Miranda Hart being considered? Can't stand Nancy. Thumbs up for Arlene from me

I think this may be a joke from Miranda. It should be professional dancer, such as Karen, Camillia

[Perdita]

Strictly Come Dancing star Russell Grant has been touted as a possible replacement for Alesha Dixon on the show's judging panel.

The celebrity astrologer, who competed in last year's series, has been added to a shortlist drawn up by BBC chiefs following Dixon's defection to Britain's Got Talent earlier this month.

"Russell made a huge impression on Strictly last year - not only with viewers but with bosses too," an insider told The Sun.

"There was a big groundswell in favour of Russell taking over Alesha's judging role, and executives contacted him to see whether he would be up for it and he gave them a resounding yes."

Although Dixon's replacement is expected to be female so as to prevent an all-male panel, the source insisted that anybody was capable of landing the spot next to Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

"There are some concerns that Alesha's replacement should be a woman as an all-male panel would be too lop-sided, but executives will decide on that in the spring."

Grant's Strictly co-stars Nancy Dell'Olio and Chelsee Healey have also been linked to the role recently, though pro dancer Karen Hardy has long been established as favourite to replace Dixon.

[Perdita]

Arlene Phillips has reportedly held talks with the BBC about returning to judge Strictly Come Dancing.

The 68-year-old was controversially axed from the panel in favour of Alesha Dixon back in 2009, but has been tipped to regain her place following the 'Boy Does Nothing' singer's defection to Britain's Got Talent.

Sources claim that the Phillips met with BBC controller of entertainment Mark Linsey recently to discuss whether getting her back for the next series would be too "tricky" for either party.

"The idea of her returning to Strictly was discussed," The Sun quotes insiders as saying. "There is no offer on the table but Mark wanted to know where Arlene's head was on the whole thing.

"Neither were ruling anything in or out as it's a tricky one for both of them. Her departure was not without bad feeling and controversy, so you can understand her being cautious.

"Likewise, the BBC axed her for a reason so it could be that that chapter should remain closed."

Phillips previously thanked fans for supporting her potential return to Strictly, but allegedly admitted soon after that she is struggling to cope with the intense speculation.

Former Strictly pro Karen Hardy is favourite to take Dixon's seat, though the likes of Miranda Hart, Kara Tointon, Nancy Dell'Olio and Russell Grant have also been touted for the role.