Len: Don’t short cha cha change our Shirley Head judge pay should be Strictly equal

LEN Goodman has cut in on the BBC gender pay row – insisting Strictly’s Shirley Ballas should get the same salary he waltzed off with.

The show’s former head judge spoke out after Craig Revel Horwood said she should receive “something lower” due to a lack of TV experience.

Shirley was paid £180,000 last year by the Beeb, £70,000 less than Len’s £250,000 for doing the same job.

With Shirley reportedly returning this year, Len, 74, said: “If you’re doing the same job, you should get the same money. The only thing that comes between that is what Craig said – when someone’s got more experience.

“But does that matter? I don’t think it does. You have to turn up at the same time, critique the dancing the same. I think it’s perfectly fine.”

In April, the Sunday Mirror told how Shirley, 57, scored a £70,000 pay rise for this year after the outcry over the BBC’s gender pay gap. Her salary had matched that of judges Craig Revel Horwood, 53, and Darcey Bussell, 49. Panel favourite Bruno Tonioli was in the £200,000 to £250,000 bracket. Craig said last month: “Len earned a major reputation and put the show on the map like we all did. We all created it from the beginning. And I don’t think it’s comparable. Sorry. It just isn’t.” But Len, who quit in 2016, heaped praise on his “terrific” replacement. Speaking at the British Par 3 Golf Championship, he added: “It’s difficult to step in for anyone. She did really well.” The list of this year’s contestants will be released from tomorrow. Celebs rumoured to appear include former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, 36. But dancer Brendan Cole, 42, will not be there as he has been axed after 14 years. Len said: “He’d been on since the start and was loyal. Loyalty deserves reward.” The BBC declined to comment. amy.sharpe@ sundaymirror. co.uk