Interesting news coming from The Mirror newspaper today: Strictly Come Dancing stars will be paid per dance and not for the entire series. Kind of like an insentive to do well I guess?
If this turns out to be true then I like it, about time some of these Z list celebrities actually put some effort into the competition. I’m fed up of seeing celebrities like Andrew Castle and Fiona Phillips turn up for a few dances and take home huge appearance fees for very little work. This is a positive move BBC, positive.
The Mirror states that the stars competing could pocket as much as £100,000 if they reach the final and as little (I’d accept £10k any day!) as £10,000 if they bow out early.
Martina Hingis apparently received £50,000 for her one dance appearance last year, great things were expected from her but her lack of popularity with the British public culled any chances of a long run.
A show source said:
“This is a way of rewarding those who do well rather than paying one big lump sum. It makes sense and will act as a healthy incentive.”
Ali Bastian has backed the decision to reduce the number of celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing.
“Everyone was on their knees by the end last time. It’s a lot of stress to take if your body isn’t used to it,” she told The Sun
“Knocking a couple of weeks off will be good for everyone’s sanity.”
BBC chiefs are keen to recreate the success of last year’s series, which attracted up to 13 million viewers. They will raise the weekly budget from last year’s £400,000 to attract more stars.
Contestants signed up so far include Felicity Kendal (63), the Good Life actress, and former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe. …
Bruce Forsyth struggled last year, he struggled the year before that and will if he returns struggle again this season. He’s 82 and let’s face it, past his prime! Don’t get me wrong, he’s an ambassador for the BBC who, with the departure of Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley need all the stars they can afford to pay. “
