Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 3 hrs ago
Strictly judges face contract talks after hosts’ departure
Strictly Come Dancing’s four judges may leave after this season, when their contracts with the BBC end.
The panel is head judge Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
Their contracts will need to be renegotiated, following the departure of presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly and the arrival of a new presenting team.
Ballas may not return, with speculation that she could move to the United States to spend more time with her family.
The judges sought an 11 per cent pay rise in 2023, but the BBC refused and they accepted smaller increases.
This year’s series has lost around 1.5 million viewers, which could affect future pay talks.
The judges are expected to discuss new terms after the series ends in December, but it is not yet clear who will return.
Strictly Come Dancing’s four judges are due to renegotiate their contracts after this season ends.
Their contracts currently cover them through the end of the season, leaving them free to leave afterward.
A source cited by the Daily Mail said Shirley Ballas is the judge most likely not to return.
The report said hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are leaving, raising concern that judges could follow.
The judges’ 2023 request for an 11 per cent pay rise was refused, and they received increases of 3 to 5 per cent.
- Who
- Strictly Come Dancing judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke.
- What
- Their contracts are due for renegotiation, and they could leave the show.
- When
- Their contracts end at the end of this season; talks are expected after the run finishes.
- Where
- Strictly Come Dancing, a BBC show.
- Why
- Their contracts are ending, and the report says the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly could prompt judges to leave too.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The judges requested an 11 per cent pay rise, which BBC bosses refused; they received increases of 3 to 5 per cent.
The judges’ contracts are due to finish.
A source said the judges’ futures would be uncertain once this run ends.
- Judges
- Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke
- Contract end
- End of this season
- Previous pay demand
- 11 per cent rise requested in 2023
- Pay increase received
- 3 to 5 per cent
- Reported ratings decline
- Around 1.5 million viewers this year