Alesha Dixon has decided to quit the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel after three years.

The former singer from Mis-Teeq girl group who won the BBC fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing, controversially replaced former judge Arlene Phillips in 2009.

The controversy damaged the reputation of the show temporarily but since then the show has gone form strength to strength with last year’s series being the most popular yet. The show was won by Mcfly’s Harry Judd last month with ratings that beat the ITV top rated show The X Factor on several occasions.

It is currently unclear why Dixon has left the show. The BBC is expected to announce her replacement during the summer.

In a statement, the broadcaster confirmed the news, saying: “We wish her all the best. She has done three very successful series with us and we look forward to announcing our new lineup in due course.”