How much do Strictly contestants get paid? Celebs, dancers and judges’ pay revealed

It’s time to get back on the dance floor with a new look Strictly (Picture: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire) Strictly Come Dancing became one of the most beloved programmes on British TV when it launched in 2004. Now, over two decades later, the BBC’s besequinned series is marking a year of big changes for 2026 as fans welcome new hosts Emma Willis, Johannes Radabe and Josh Widdicombe, replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. A new line-up of contestants like Lacey Turner, Delta Goodrem, Will Best and plenty more will go head-to-head to try to take home the Glitterball Trophy. Giving their verdict on the stars’ dancing efforts each week are head judge Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and the notoriously difficult-to-please Craig Revel Horwood. It’s not all fun and games as the stars have to deal with hours of gruelling rehearsals, the entire nation watching their every move, and the Strictly curse. Get personalised updates on Strictly Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. So how much do they all get paid for taking part in Strictly Come Dancing? Here is everything you need to know about the contestants, judges and professional dancers’ salaries. How much do the Strictly celebrities get paid? EastEnders star Lacey Turner will be one to watch this year (Picture: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire) While the BBC has kept schtum about the paycheque the celebs take home for dancing on the ballroom floor, reports suggest contestants each earn a flat rate of £25,000. However, if the stars can master the mambo and win over the judges with their Waltz to make it through the first few weeks of the competition, that sum then goes up to £40,000. The celebrities that make it all the way to the quarter-finals will then see their earnings shoot up to £60,000, while finalists will get paid £75,000. And the winner doesn’t just earn bragging rights and the Glitterball Trophy but will be dancing all the way to the bank with £100,000. How much do the professional dancers on Strictly get paid? The professional lineup for this year has also seen a lot of changes (Picture: BBC/PA Wire) The professional dancer line-up may get a shake-up now and again with old favourites leaving, such as Karen Hauer – but reports claim they’re all given a standard rate. Supposedly the dancers are paid a flat rate of between £35,000 to £50,000 to appear on the show. However, they can top up their BBC fees by performing in the Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals tour and, of course, use the juggernaut series’ platform to hustle for other gigs. How much do the Strictly Come Dancing judges get paid? The judging panel remains the same for the 2026 series (Picture: BBC/Ray Burmiston) Head judge Shirley began on £180,000 when she joined the show in 2017 but has since negotiated a pay rise up to a whopping £500,000 per series, according to The Sun. Craig, meanwhile, started out on a salary of £110,000 when he joined the show back in 2004. More than a decade later, The Sun reports, he earned £180,000, which rose to £200,000 in 2020. Shirley reportedly earns the most out of those on the panel (Picture: BBC/ Guy Levy) Newer judge Motsi was reportedly offered a starting salary of £200,000 when she joined the Strictly judging panel in 2019. Her current fee is unknown. Former pro dancer Anton swapped the ballroom floor for the judging panel, replacing Bruno Tonioli, who left to concentrate on Dancing With The Stars. The Sun claims the 56-year-old takes home between £175,000 and £200,000. Strictly Come Dancing starts on September 19 on BBC One Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale This article was first published on September 29, 2025. Arrow MORE: Doctor Who fans want Daniel Craig as next Time Lord in news no one expected Arrow MORE: Doctor Who fans have one request for new series and it breaks my heart, but they’re right Arrow MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Will Best reveals baby news ahead of BBC show debut TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.