Strictly’s pay gap shows the Beeb’s out of step

THE professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing have formed a union to demand more money from the BBC.

I can’t say I blame them, for it is the pro dancers who are the hard-working heart and soul of this show, yet they get paid a fraction of the six-figure sum host Claudia Winkleman — the highestpaid woman on the BBC — is handed for larking about behind her fringe and acting wacky.

Look at someone such as fabulous Oti Mabuse (pictured). Not only is she a dream to watch, every year Oti is an inspiring mentor to her celebrity clodhopping partners. A former civil engineering student from Pretoria, she began entering dancing competitions when she was four and has been crowned South African Latin champion eight times.

Other pros danced their way out of poverty in Eastern European countries to get where they are today.

So come on, Beeb. Give them a rise. You will save millions when Chris Evans leaves, after all.

It seems strictly unfair that on this hugely successful television show, those who contribute the most are paid the least.