STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses have handed all their remaining dancers a hefty pay rise to sign up again this year.
The salary hike comes after the pro stars clubbed together to lobby producers, claiming £50,000 per series did not reflect their workload and celebrity status.
They are said to have got ten per cent raises, having asked for 20 per cent and being met halfway.
The deals, announced today, mean all pros from the last series will return except Pasha Kovalev, who quit last month.
Producers are holding casting sessions for one more star to complete the line-up of 18. Three work as reserves and perform in group routines.
A TV insider said: “The pros know Strictly is an incredible platform and nobody wants to leave — but they also realise they’re now a huge part of the show too.
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"They make most of their money from tours but pushed for a raise. It was the longest-serving pros like Janette, Aljaz and Anton who pushed this over the line.”
It is understood long-standing reserve Neil Jones, whose partner Katya danced with Seann Walsh resulting in their now infamous love-cheat scandal, is the favourite to land Pasha’s slot.
Strictly boss Sarah James said: “We are delighted that this year’s line-up of professional dancers is full of familiar faces and fan favourites.”
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