Strictly Come Dancing’s four judges could leave the BBC show when their contracts expire at the end of the current series, amid concerns over falling viewing figures and major changes to its presenting line-up.
Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will all have to renegotiate with the corporation after the series. Their possible departures would follow the exits of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who have been replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Sources close to Strictly have suggested that Ms Ballas may be the most likely judge to leave. The 66-year-old is understood to be considering spending more time in the United States with her son, professional dancer Mark, and his two children.
“The one thing that the BBC knew would keep some continuity this year was that the judges would all be back,” one source said. “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 source added: “The most likely is Shirley. She has done a decade now and she has grandchildren that she wants to see more of.”
Negotiations could prove difficult if the judges seek increased pay. In 2023, they reportedly asked for an 11 per cent rise on salaries thought to range from £200,000 to £300,000 for the three-and-a-half-month engagement.
BBC executives refused that demand, with the judges instead receiving increases of between 3 and 5 per cent.
“If they want more money again, it’s unlikely that will happen,” a show source said. “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.”
Viewing figures for this year’s series have fallen by around 1.5 million. Ms Willis has been described as a “top pro”, while Mr Widdicombe has faced criticism for appearing “wooden” and Mr Radebe has been criticised over his timing.
The uncertainty is expected to become clearer after the current run concludes. “The terms of their contracts will have to be renegotiated, and if the judges don’t like what the BBC is offering maybe they won’t return,” the first source said. “It will all be very up in the air in December once this run is over.”
On Saturday night’s Icons Week programme, Dani Dyer received praise for her rumba to Mariah Carey’s Hero. The former Love Island winner, 30, scored 25 points, with Ms Ballas commending her timing and movement.
