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

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