The Strictly Come Dancing judges are reportedly at loggerheads with the BBC over a pay increase.
Shirley Ballas, 62, Craig Revel Horwood, 58, Motsi Mabuse, 42, and Anton Du Beke, 56, are thought to have asked for an additional 11% on top of their paychecks because of rising inflation.
However, the Line of Duty broadcaster is claimed to have rejected the increase meaning there’s ‘something of a stand-off’ between the two parties although are ‘more likely’ to counteroffer in the region of 3 or 4%.
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.
A source told The Sun: ‘There’s been a lot of talk around contracts but at the moment, there’s something of a stand-off.
‘In the blue corner, you have the BBC who are absolutely adamant there will be no bumper deals this year.
‘And in the red corner are the judges — and their agents — united in their desire for renewed deals to reflect the economic situation.
‘Yes, their salaries are vast, but Strictly is on for a limited time and other opportunities in a cost-of-living crisis are not so Âforthcoming.’
The insider added the Beeb was ‘holding firm’ and at the moment it was ‘safe to say no terms had been agreed.’
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 contacted reps for the BBC, Shirley, Motsi, Craig and Anton for comment.
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