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The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is reportedly in chaos after two of the biggest names pulled out after their fees were cut.
Sharon Osbourne and Richard Madeley are alleged to have quit the series after finding out their pay had been slashed, according to the Daily Mirror.
BBC1 boss Jay Hunt reportedly asked producers to cut costs on this year's show as part of wider savings across the corporation.
Strictly's presenter Bruce Forsyth is believed to have taken a £160,000 pay cut, while some of the show's professional dancers are said to be refusing to sign their new contracts because of their reduced salaries.
A programme insider told the paper: "Jay has no idea how to finesse a situation, especially with talent, and there's a lot of disquiet.
"Sharon is a serious player in America's Got Talent but what the BBC finally offered was ridiculous."
However, the BBC has denied the Mirror's story. A spokesperson said: "The suggestion that Strictly Come Dancing is in turmoil couldn't be further from the truth and we will be announcing the exciting and varied line-up of dancers and celebrities in the coming weeks. Sharon Osbourne and Richard Madeley were never signed to take part in the series and fees were never discussed.
"The BBC does not discuss its artist contracts or disclose individual fees because it's both commercially sensitive and a private matter. We have a firm commitment to reduce the total amount we spend on top talent in the coming years. This process has started, with new contracts already agreed for less than we have paid in the past."
The new series of Strictly is already one of the most talked about in the show's history following the decision to axe Arlene Phillips from the judging panel in favour of former winner Alesha Dixon.
Other names linked to this year's show include ex-EastEnder Natalie Cassidy and Reece Dinsdale, who plays Gail's lover Joe in Coronation Street.
Who would you like to see on the show? Let us know...
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User comments
why mess around with a successfull show surely they earn enough to do it and if bruce can accept such a bit ciut why cant the others
Posted by: debncol69 on Wed Jul 29 01:06PM | Report abuseNo, I am not disappointed. How much money do these extremely wealthy celebrities actually need. They need to realise that a lot of people who work very hard are facing financial cutbacks. Do they think they deserve special treatment?
Posted by: carolinemiller0 on Wed Jul 29 01:13PM | Report abuseOne word only "GREED". Absolutely unbelievable, these people are so wrapped up in their own selfishness and have no idea what is going on in the world around them. Absolutely disgraceful they should all be ashamed!
Posted by: dreamprintuk on Wed Jul 29 01:22PM | Report abuseThink we can manage without Sharon Osbourne and Richard Madeley taking part. We want good sports not spoil sports and prima donna's on the show.
Posted by: andrewsdejavu on Wed Jul 29 01:29PM | Report abuseHmm, can just imagine Mrs O saying "Don't you know who I am?" Ha, ha. Will do better without her. And as for Richard Madeley, who exactly does he think he is? Him and Judy are past run has beens - should be thankful they've got any TV offers! Don't see anyone else knocking their door down. As debncol said, if Bruce can take the cut, so should they. Everyone's having to tighten their belts at the moment and the BBC is funded by us taxpayers so should definitely take the lead.
Posted by: sara_scservices on Wed Jul 29 01:34PM | Report abuseSounds like it could be a belter of a series if it's got Sonia 'Trumpet' Jackson and the guy who played the 'Son' in Home to Roost....
Posted by: wistysboy on Wed Jul 29 01:39PM | Report abuseIt's important to know what you are worth in any job but come on this smacks of greed...
Posted by: sweetcheek77 on Wed Jul 29 01:39PM | Report abuseI think many of these so called stars need to take a very good look at themselves. Whilst many people in the world are losing jobs or taking massive pay cuts why do they think they should be exempt. There are plently of others would be happy to take part for the fun of it. Greed is so unattractive
Posted by: feebeeedwards on Wed Jul 29 01:43PM | Report abuseWhy not have Lionel Blair as one of the judges?
Posted by: rosyfbaxter on Wed Jul 29 01:53PM | Report abuseI Thought it was all about raising money for Childern In Need
Posted by: petesbigpants on Wed Jul 29 02:18PM | Report abuse