Strictly s celeb pay freeze TOP STARS SNUB NEW FLAT FEE
BIG-MONEY deals to reel in A-list stars have been ruled Strictly off-limits on the BBC’S Saturday night dance show.
And insiders say the lack of lucrative sign-on fees is to blame for a string of celebs who viewers “have never heard of”.
All 15 contestants on Strictly Come Dancing will get the same £25,000 flat fee for taking part – topped up with bonuses if they stay in long enough.
Previously, top names were lured with bigger up-front deals. A source said: “The BBC’S policy to save money has impacted on which people the show has signed.
“Previously they’ve been able to give a bigger fee to some, and others slightly lower.
“But now, in the interest of equality and BBC overspending, there are no exceptions.”
The result is a line-up which has drawn criticism from fans unimpressed by the likes of comic Seann Walsh, presenter Vick Hope and internet vlogger Joe Sugg (below).
In the past, contestants have included Jerry Hall, Emma Bunton and Anastacia.
Stars who go out in the first six weeks will get only the flat fee. If they stay longer but do not make the quarter finals, they get a £15,000 boost.
Those who get further but are out before the final pick up a £35,000 bonus.
All the stars who reach the final are in for an extra £50,000. And a £25,000 winner’s bounty will see one celebrity waltz off with a total of £100,000.
The full 2018 line-up includes This Morning doctor Ranj Singh, Steps singer Faye Tozer, ex-cricketer Graeme Swann and actor Danny John-jules, who played Cat in Red Dwarf.
They are joined by newsreader Kate Silverton, BBC Three presenter Stacey Dooley, paralympian Lauren Steadman, Bodyshockers host Katie Piper, Blue’s Lee Ryan and ex-pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts.
And while there is no extra cash in the budget for A-list celebrities, the BBC are thought to have given head judge Shirley Ballas a £70,000 pay rise to stay on.
She returns along with Dame Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will also be back as the show’s hosts
The new series kicks off in two weeks, on September 8, with a launch show featuring Nile Rodgers and Chic, Craig David and rapper Stefflon Don.
Show bosses declined to comment on “contractual matters”.
An insider said: “As the BBC is a public broadcaster, Strictly doesn’t have deep pockets like some of its rivals.
“But previous line-ups have been met with sniggers and turned out to be amazing. They hope for the same this year.”