Ballas equal pay cha-cha-cheque
New head judge wins BBC battle €200K £200K €270K AJ’S 6ft 2in bro is growing to be new Brendan €270K
REPLACING Strictly’s Mr Big Brendan Cole has been a tall order – but BBC bosses believe they have finally found their man. Curtis Pritchard – 6ft 2in younger brother of show pro AJ – is highly tipped to take over from 6ft 1in veteran Brendan. Bosses need someone to partner loftier celebrities. And Curtis, 20 is seven inches
Shirley was paid €200,000 last year by the BBC – less than Len’s €270,000 for doing the same job.
She was given parity after a national outcry over salary gaps between men and women at the Corporation.
A Strictly source said: “Shirley was thrilled her salary was brought up to what Len Goodman was paid in the role of head judge.
“She couldn’t see why she should get less than the person she replaced – especially after more than proving herself in her first year. It’s a great victory for equal pay.”
Last night friends said La-based Shirley was “highly taller than his big brother, 23, who partnered singer Mollie King last year.
A source said: “With a distinct lack of tall male dancers to fill Brendan’s shoes, Strictly had a tough job on their hands. But they’ve now found the perfect fit in Curtis. He may be AJ’S younger brother but likely” to sign the new deal. The former world champ – dubbed The Queen of Latin – joined the show last year, replacing Len, 73, after 12 years leading the panel.
She was offered the same €200,000 deal as judges Darcey Bussell, 48, and Craig Revel Horwood, 53.
They earned less than Len and Bruno Tonioli, 62, each on €270,000 to match their fees for judging Dancing With The Stars in the US.
The BBC came under fire when China editor Carrie Gracie quit after learning male international editors earned “at least 50 per cent more.”
The row sparked a national debate – and sources says he’s certainly not smaller than his 5ft 7in stature, which means he could be partnered with taller women celebrities.” Curtis could even be joined on the show by his dance partner and girlfriend Emily Barker. Emily, 19, may replace Chloe Hewitt. Curtis and Emily – who AJ & Mollie King Merseyside-born Shirley wanted to “set the tone” for the rest of the BBC by getting a deal equal to a male star.
Last night A Strictly spokesperson declined to comment on “contractual matters.”
Wayne Rooney is begging wife Coleen, 32 – who we revealed is Strictly bosses’ No1 target – not to join because of the Strictly Curse.
The footballer, 32 – yet to be forgiven by her after he was banned for drink driving as he took another woman home – believes Louise Redknapp’s appearance in 2016 cost pal Jamie his marriage.
scoops@sundaymirror.co.uk
She’s getting the same deal as Len. It’s a great victory for equal pay STRICTLY SOURCE ON SHIRLEY’S NEW OFFER
met when they were 11 and have dated for two years – impressed in Dancing With The Stars Ireland last year.
Strictly original Brendan, 41, was dropped this year after 14 years on the show.
He hinted it could be due to his “strong views” after he was passed over as head judge for Shirley Ballas.
Strictly said: “The pro dancer line up will be confirmed in due course.”