Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancers are reportedly furious after the judges ‘became embroiled in a pay rise row with the BBC’.
Shirley Ballas, 62, Craig Revel Horwood, 58, Motsi Mabuse, 42, and Anton Du Beke, 56, are thought to be at loggerheads with the Line of Duty broadcaster after asking for an 11% salary increase.
The foursome are said to be demanding more money because of rising inflation but it has been claimed the broadcaster has rejected their calls leading to ‘something of a stand-off.’
Now the professional dancers, who reportedly earn a flat rate of between £35,000 – £50,000 to appear on the show, are said to weighed in on the debate.
An insider told The Sun the professional pros were ‘seething’ over the reported demand.
They continued: ‘They work their a***s off for three months of the year, while the judges swan in on a Saturday, watch some nice dancing and air their thoughts.
‘A few of the dancers mooted the idea of staging their own protest.
‘But they are well aware there’s a cost of living crisis and they all love and are appreciative of their jobs.’
While the Beeb hasn’t officially commented on the judges’ salaries, it has been reported that Shirley is on £500,000 and Craig takes home £200,000, while Motsi started on £200,000 and Anton earns between £175,000 and £200,000.
The Sun reports that while the BBC has rejected the 11% increase it is ‘more likely’ to counteroffer in the region of 3 to 4%.
The ‘negotiations’ come after it was announced a member of the Strictly family, Rylan Clark, would be leaving It Takes Two after four years.
In a statement, the 34-year-old wrote: ‘After four fantastic years it’s time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.
‘I’ve had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette [Manrara] and Zoe [Ball] and I can’t thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show.
‘I’ve been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me.
‘The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me.
‘Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and dancing feet.’
Metro.co.uk has previously contacted reps for the BBC, Shirley, Motsi, Craig and Anton for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Source: Read Full Article