Long-time Britain's Got Talent judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are reportedly furious that their new co-star Bruno Tonioli will be paid the same amount as them. The Strictly Come Dancing star is joining the ITV show's star-studded judging panel and is allegedly set to take home the same amount as the mainstays - a whopping £850,000.
Filming for the next series of BGT is due to start on Tuesday, January 24, but things may not go as planned as Amanda, 51, and Alesha, 44, are reportedly refusing to sign a new deal. Both judges have been part of the hit televised talent competition for a very long time, with the upcoming series due to be Amanda's 17th and Alesha's 11th.
But sources claim that their time on the panel could be nearing the end as both singers are not happy that newcomer Bruno will receive the same salary as them, despite their longevity and the fact that Bruno has just waltzed onto the show. An insider told The Sun: "It's a bit of a headache for BGT given filming for the next series begins at the London Palladium on Tuesday.
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"Bruno was still ironing out his contract on Friday too so it's all very much down to the wire."
It is believed that Amanda and Alesha were reluctant to sign their new deal with BGT until comedian and author David Walliams' replacement had been confirmed. And now it has been announced that Bruno, 67, will be joining the show, the pair are set to grill ITV bosses about their current earnings.
The source added: "After learning that Bruno was to be getting the same pay, they decided to hold off and stand firm. Initially there was a seven-figure pay deal on the table for Bruno but this was lowered over fears of a backlash — and now them getting the same figure has caused a rift."
The insider also claimed that Amanda and Alesha 'will not budge' as they do not believe Bruno should be given the same pay as them for his first series. Alesha has opened up about her friendship with Amanda in the past, telling Fabulous magazine that they would never let anyone pit them against each other.
Reports suggest that the next series of BGT could be much different to the last. A source claimed to The Sun last month that ITV bosses had 'overhauled the audition process' and invited viewers to suggest a friend or family member for an audition behind their back.
The source said: "Viewers had become critical of the amount of 'recycled' acts that had appeared on other Got Talents or were already on the pro circuit, but the new process has already sourced some good undiscovered talent."
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