Strictly offering double fees for this year's show?

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: April 23 2020 | 07:47

Last updated: April 23 2020 | 18:48

Strictly offering double fees for this year's show?

Strictly Come Dancing producers are reportedly offering double fees to prospective participants on this year's show.

Producers on Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly offering as much as double the usual fees to celebrities taking part in this year's show.

The BBC is hoping that the annual dance contest can still go ahead as scheduled this autumn, despite the ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Execs are reportedly considering radical measures to get the series on air, including isolating the contestants with their dance partners and axing the live studio audience.

According to The Sun, the producers are hoping to overcome any reluctance that potential participants may have by offering bumper appearance fees, which could go into the six-figure range.

"Coronavirus has made planning a TV show difficult but producers are keen for Strictly to remain the jewel in the BBC's crown," a source told the newspaper. "Bookers have been told they can as much as double what they've paid for stars in the past."

Rumoured names for this year's lineup include legendary drag queen RuPaul Charles, actress Michelle Keegan and comedian Catherine Tate.