When Strictly Come Dancing unveiled its new presenting trio, loyal fans were left fearful for the future of their favorite television programme.
But if viewers think this series is bad, sources close to the BBC show have warned that next year could be even worse: bosses fear the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will lead to the departure of the judges too.
Their contracts expire at the end of this season – meaning it will be time for head judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton du Beke to renegotiate with the corporation.
While insiders suggest Ms Ballas, 66, may not return for her 11th series, there is speculation she could relocate to the US to spend more time with her son Mark, who is a professional dancer on America’s Dancing with the Stars, and her two children.
A source said: ‘The BBC knew one thing that there would be some continuity this year and that was that all the judges would be back. They are under contract so it was a guarantee for the owners and certainly one less headache for them. But anything can happen. Any one of them could walk away now and they would be free agents.
‘Most likely Shirley. She has now completed a decade and has grandchildren whom she wants to see more of.
‘The terms of their contract will have to be renegotiated, and if the judges don’t like what the BBC is offering they probably won’t return.
‘It will all be revealed in December after this race is over.’
BBC bosses fear the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will lead to the departure of the judges too
Strictly Come Dancing judges Strictly Come Dancing judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke
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Should Strictly judges demand higher pay despite falling ratings and major changes to the show?
In 2023, the judges angered BBC bosses when they demanded an 11 per cent pay rise on their salaries, which are thought to be between £200,000 and £300,000 for a three-and-a-half-month stint.
The chief was angered by the demands and refused. Instead, judges gave increases of between 3 and 5 percent.
A show source said: ‘If they want more money again, it’s unlikely to happen.
‘The BBC cannot justify these salaries and now viewing figures are down they are less likely to get paid more next time.’
Ratings for this year’s series have fallen by around 1.5 million, with new presenting team Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
While Ms Willis is considered a ‘top professional’, Mr Widdicombe has been criticized for being ‘wooden’, while Mr Radebe has struggled to get his timing right.
On Saturday night’s ‘Icons Week’ show, Danny Dyer was praised by the judges for his ‘beautiful’ rumba he danced to Mariah Carey’s Hero.
The 30-year-old former Love Island winner scored 25 points for the routine, with Ms Ballas praising his timing and moves.