Bruno Tonioli has reportedly had his wages slashed in half after he was unable to perform a full role on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The 65-year-old has been part of the judging panel since the show launched in 2004, but due to coronavirus and his work on US version Dancing With The Stars, he has been unable to properly take part in the current series.
According to The Sun, as a result of the change in circumstances, Tonioli will only be paid around half of the £250,000 he normally pockets for each series.
The news means that the veteran judge will still earn £125,000, however - despite only appearing via video link for a few minutes each week during the Sunday night results show.
"Much of Britain is working from home right now but Bruno is expected, where possible, to be there in person," a source told the newspaper.
"He's contributed less than he normally would with all of his Italian flamboyance and high-energy performances in the studio, so he was happy to take less than his usual wage.
"After all, it was his decision to focus on the American show while keeping his toe in the UK. There's no hard feelings."
Tonioli had originally hoped to be back in the studio for the final two shows of this series but has since decided that it is too risky to fly back to the UK with the coronavirus pandemic still raging on both sides of the Atlantic.
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
