Harriet Harman, MP: "We Want Arlene Phillips"

Equality minister Harriet Harman has waded into the Judgegate row. She believes Arlene has been discriminated against because of her age, and demanded her reinstatement.

Harman told the Daily Mail: "I think it's absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there. So I'd like to take the opportunity of asking the BBC - it is not too late, we want Arlene Phillips in the next edition of Strictly Come Dancing."

A BBC spokesperson said: "Age had absolutely nothing to do with the decision to replace Arlene Phillips on the judging panel. The age ranges of the Strictly presenters, judges and contestants taking part are clear evidence that this would not have played a part. The BBC employs numerous mature presenters across the schedule."

Well, if age isn't the reason, can someone please expain to me what the reason was. I haven't heard a sensible reason why so far...