Strictly Come Dancing finally returns with the 2021 launch show debuting tonight, Saturday, September 18.
The show might be peak Saturday night entertainment for viewers, but it’s hard, hard work for those who put on the show.
Never mind having to rehearse, rehearse and then rehearse some more, they have to put up with death threats from overzealous fans, navigate an alleged ‘Strictly curse’ and compete week in, week out.
So how much do the celebs, professionals and judges get paid for taking part? Read on to find out…
How much do the Strictly contestants get paid?
Each celebrity is given a standard £25,000 payment once they sign up for the series.
This year, that line-up includes McFly’s Tom Fletcher, actor Robert Webb, comedian Judi Love and Eastenders actress Nina Wadia.
With such a generous chunk of change given, you might wonder why they don’t just cash their cheque and purposely flop on week one.
Apart from their own pride, there’s also a financial incentive to lasting throughout the series.
If they manage to stay in the competition past the first month or so, their payment shoots up to £40,000.
Those who make it to the quarter-finals will bag a substantial £60,000, and anyone who makes it to the final takes home £75,000.
The winner then gets a reported £100,000 – not just laughing, but dancing their way to the bank.
Of course, those who join the Strictly tour which usually follows the series each year will keep upping their earnings from their time on the show, so it can be a smart money move for the stars.
How much do the professionals on Strictly get paid?
It’s widely reported that the professional dancers get paid between £30,000 to £50,000 per series.
The pros can add to their payday by appearing in the Strictly tour, too.
How much do the Strictly Come Dancing judges get paid?
According to the Mirror, Shirley Ballas has become one of the highest paid faces attached to the series, making a rumoured £500,000.
Long serving judge Bruno Tonioli is thought to earn around £250,000 for the show, but he won’t be appearing this year. He will be replaced by former pro dancer Anton du Beke.
Craig Revel Horwood, one of the original judges from the show, is reportedly paid around £200,000 for the show.
Craig also directs the Strictly tour, and has been doing so since 2012.
In an interview with the Telegraph in 2018, Revel-Horwood said of his Strictly salary ‘The pay’s not amazing’ – but he does top up that amount by choreographing the Strictly tour.
Motsi Mabuse is the newest judge on the panel, but she is already reportedly being paid £200,000.
Watch Strictly Come Dancing tonight from 7:45pm on BBC One.
MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Sara Davies recalls feeling ‘really conscious’ of body ahead of launch
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