Strictly Come Dancing ­stars are to be paid by the dance in a bid to make the show more exciting.





if you like dancing? if you like would be happy about this

Competitors in the BBC ballroom dance show could pocket up to £100,000 if they reach the final. Others could be left with as little as £10,000 if they bow out early.

It will ensure contestants are not paid large sums for only a few appearances. Former tennis player Martina Hingis reportedly received £50,000 despite being voted off last year’s series in the first week. Other celebrities out before finding their feet include Carol Vorderman, Stephanie Beacham and snooker’s Willie Thorne

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.”

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, the Good Life actress, and former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe.