BBC chiefs split on whether Anton Du Beke should go and Bruno Tonioli should return to Strictly.
Du Beke was temporarily appointed as judge after Tonioli resigned. Covid restrictions prevented him from appearing on both the US and European versions of Dancing With The Stars.
For the programmes, he had flown previously between Los Angeles (USA) and England (England).
Sources at the BBC say that his decision to choose the role in the States, which is understood to pay him in the region of £800,000 rather than the £250,000 he was getting for his Strictly duties, means that some chiefs think their loyalty should lie with Du Beke.
Anton Du Beke was brought in as a judge on a temporary basis after Tonioli stood down from the role
Anton could also be ejected from the show. He has performed on it as a professional performer since its inception.
Others view Tonioli, however, as an Strictly star who is loved and missed by its ten million viewers.
According to an insider, The Mail reported Sunday that the BBC is in serious trouble. Anton is so much loved by his colleagues and has proven to be a great pro that it makes no sense to fire him. This seems disloyal but Bruno had to do it.
“It would be a stretch to suggest that there are a few rows going on but there is clearly much division over the plans for next year.
Tonioli is viewed by others as an Strictly celebrity who is both loved and misses by its 10 million viewers.
Tonioli (66), who has served on the Strictly panels since 2004, was selected as a judge for the tour, which begins in the first quarter of next year.
He will be joined by Craig Revel Horwood as well as Shirley Ballas, head judge.
Many believe that Tonioli could use the opportunity to’sweeten’ their relationship so they won’t need to invite Du Beke back, while others see it as a way of getting him ready for his next move.
Du Beke (55), the last remaining member from the 2004 Strictly cast, revealed yesterday how much he loves being a judge because it allows him to spend more time with His four-year-old twins George and Henrietta.
He added, “That’s one of the positive sides to the role that I have been allowed more time at my home.” Since I don’t work Saturdays, it is only weekends that I do.
It is also wonderful that when I get home from school in the morning or afternoon, my other child comes up to me, saying, “I saw your dancing!” “I saw you dancing.”
Last year The MoS revealed how Tonioli earned £33,000 per minute from the BBC after it was agreed that he would appear via video link from LA because he could not make it back to be in the studio.
He was only seen or heard for three minutes 46 seconds despite being paid £125,000.
Very close! Perfect rose
Rose Ayling Ellis-Ellis, and Giovanni Pernice were among the Strictly judges who won 39 out of 40 points.
Their American Smooth dance to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole took them joint top of the leaderboard with BBC presenter Rhys Stephenson and Nancy Xu.
Judge Shirley Ballas told Ms Ayling-Ellis, who is deaf, that she ‘had beautiful footwork’.
Below, Rose Ayling Ellis and Giovanni Pernice won 39 points from 40 by impressing the Strictly judges.