Phil Tufnell told it's Strictly no talking on Arlene Phillips

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Phil Tufnell clearly needs coaching both on and off the dance floor. The retired cricketer has been gagged by the BBC from talking about Arlene Phillips's departure from the judging panel — as have all new contestants on the show.

Putting his foot in it: Phil Tufnell and fellow contestant Laila Rouass

During a press conference yesterday, 43-year-old Phil was asked his thoughts about the changes on the show — including Arlene being axed as a judge.
Looking furtively at his BBC PR, he said: "Yeah well, what were we told to say about Arlene, sorry?" The PR replied: "You're excited about the changes to the show."

Dutifully, Tuffers said: "Sorry, yeah, no of course we are. No, we're very excited about the changes. And Arlene, well I think she's going to be"

He was immediately interrupted by his dance partner Katya Virshilas, who said: "She's going to be part of the Strictly family and is going to be a Strictly expert."

Left red-faced in the interview with Cristo Foufas, for LBC radio, Phil sheephishly whispered: "Is this live?"

Tuffers should be more experienced with reality TV shows, considering the fact that he won the second series of ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.

He is one of 16 contestants on the new show, including EastEnders star Ricky Groves, actresses Zoe Lucker and Laila Rouass, and Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood's estranged wife Jo Wood.