Strictly judges' contracts up for renewal amid format changes

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 04:20 · Archive

The judges' contracts for Strictly Come Dancing are approaching renewal as the show undergoes significant changes.

Strictly Come Dancing's four judges have contracts approaching renewal, prompting BBC bosses to brace for the possibility that any or all of them could leave the show. The judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke – had provided continuity for the programme, which has undergone significant recent changes including the appointment of new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, and the departure of several long-serving professional dancers including Karen Hauer.

According to Metro, a source told the Daily Mail that producers fear 'anything could happen' once the judges become 'free agents' after their contracts expire. The source suggested Shirley Ballas, 66, is the most likely departure, noting she has completed a decade on the show and has grandchildren she wishes to spend more time with.

The Daily Mail speculates that Ballas could join the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, citing her previous appearance as a judge on the DWTS spin-off series The Next Pro alongside her son Mark Ballas. However, this remains speculation rather than confirmed reporting from any source.

How it is being reported

• Is Shirley Ballas planning to waltz over to the States? All the clues she's set to join Dancing With The Stars as BBC bosses fear all four Strictly judges are set to quit showStrictly Come Dancing might be facing a whole new shake-up again after reports all four judges are set to quit the show.Daily Mail · 20 Oct, 00:51
• Strictly Come Dancing bosses fear judges could quit show: ‘Anything could happen’The judges' contracts are up for renewal.Metro · 18 Oct, 15:49

In this story: Craig Revel Horwood · Motsi Mabuse · Shirley Ballas · Anton Du Beke · Strictly Come Dancing · BBC · Dancing With The Stars

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