Strictly Come Dancing Judges Face Contract Uncertainty Amid Host Departures
BBC executives are reportedly concerned that the exit of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly could prompt judges to leave as well, with contracts up for renegotiation.
BBC executives are reportedly bracing for potential departures among the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing, as the contracts for head judge Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, and Anton Du Beke are set to expire at the end of the current season. This follows concerns about the show's future after hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly departed.
Sources close to the production suggest that Shirley Ballas, who has been a judge for a decade, might consider leaving the show. Speculation indicates she may wish to relocate to the United States to spend more time with her son, a professional dancer on America's Dancing With The Stars, and her grandchildren.
"The one thing that the BBC knew would keep some continuity this year was that the judges would all be back," a show insider reportedly stated. "They are under contract so that was a guarantee for the bosses and was definitely one less headache for them. But anything could happen. Any of them could walk away now and they will be free agents."
The contracts for the judges require renegotiation, and there is a possibility they might not return if they are dissatisfied with the BBC's offers. "It will all be very up in the air in December once this run is over," the source added.
In 2023, the judges reportedly sought an 11% pay increase, which was met with resistance from BBC executives. Instead, they received a raise of 3% to 5%. A show source indicated that further significant pay increases are unlikely, especially with declining viewership figures. "If they want more money again, it's unlikely that will happen. The BBC can't justify these salaries and now the viewing figures have tanked there's even less of a chance they will get more next time."
Ratings for the current season, featuring new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, have reportedly dropped by approximately 1.5 million viewers. While Willis is considered a strong presenter, Widdicombe has faced criticism for his performance, and Radebe has reportedly struggled with timing.