The glitterball might sparkle on Saturday nights, but behind the sequins and smiles, the latest Strictly Come Dancing pay packets have triggered outrage among the stars themselves.

Confidential figures leaked from BBC insiders have exposed a shocking gulf in salaries, leaving some contestants “absolutely fuming” while others quietly celebrate a windfall that could change their lives.

The big talking point this year is the extraordinary £15,000 fee one celebrity has been handed. According to production staff, this star—already struggling with public perception—was effectively humiliated by being handed what some are calling the “discount wage.” In a series where pay disputes are a closely guarded secret, this revelation has turned into the ultimate backstage bombshell.

In stark contrast, Dani Dyer, daughter of EastEnders legend Danny Dyer and one of the most high-profile names in this year’s line-up, is set to pocket a massive sum. Her contract, believed to be worth more than double the mid-tier contestants, has sparked fury from lesser-known celebrities who are grinding through the same punishing rehearsal schedules but walking away with far less.

One source admitted, “It’s not about the dancing anymore—it’s about who the BBC think can pull in headlines, and that’s left a bitter taste for a lot of people.”

For years, Strictly has operated with a tiered pay system. Big names with instant star power can command six-figure deals, while soap actors, comedians, and reality TV contestants often land in the middle band. Then there’s the bottom rung—the first-timers or those struggling to stay relevant—who are offered what some insiders describe as “humiliation money.” That’s where the £15,000 fee has come in, sparking whispers across the ballroom.

Producers argue that the differential is justified, pointing out that marquee stars bring in sponsorship deals, generate tabloid coverage, and drive ratings. But behind closed doors, several of the dancers are siding with the lower-paid celebs, insisting that everyone works just as hard regardless of fame.

A pro dancer, speaking off the record, said: “We all see how much time and sweat these celebs put in. To know one is being paid peanuts compared to another is disgusting. They all give their bodies, their weekends, and their privacy to this show.”

This year’s line-up, stacked with Love Island alums, soap favourites, and a sprinkling of athletes, was already facing criticism for being “too celebrity-lite.” The leaked figures only add fuel to the fire, with many longtime fans questioning whether the show is more about cash grabs than celebrating dance. One viewer fumed on X (formerly Twitter): “So some are busting a gut for peanuts while Dani Dyer cashes in just for being a Dyer? No wonder the atmosphere is toxic.”

Behind the glitter curtain, the fallout has been immediate. Rehearsal room chatter has reportedly turned icy, with some celebrities openly griping about the figures. Others have taken a quieter route, venting privately to their professional partners. There’s also the looming problem of how this leak will impact public voting. Contestants earning lower sums may win sympathy, while those on hefty contracts could face backlash from voters who resent seeing them cash in.

Historically, money scandals have always plagued Strictly. Previous series have faced accusations of favouritism, with ex-contestants admitting that financial resentment added pressure to an already tense competition. Yet this year feels different. The sums involved—and the humiliation of the £15,000 fee—have created an undeniable divide that could overshadow the glittering performances on stage.

Dani Dyer’s name has inevitably become the lightning rod of the storm. As the highest-paid contestant, she finds herself in a precarious position. While she’s popular with audiences, insiders claim she’s already facing whispers of “special treatment.” Her pay package only intensifies those suspicions. As one source put it, “She’s under a microscope now. Every mistake, every performance, people will say she’s not earning her cheque.”

The BBC, meanwhile, has been quick to play down the revelations. In a carefully worded statement, officials reminded viewers that all contestants are fairly compensated for their participation and that fees are “in line with industry standards.” But even insiders acknowledge that the wording is thin cover for what’s become an embarrassing mess. “They can’t deny what everyone now knows,” said one crew member. “The pay gap is real and it’s ugly.”

Fans, too, have been quick to connect the dots. Social media has exploded with debate over which celebrity was slapped with the £15,000 “humiliation fee.” Names are being thrown around, with some speculating it’s a comedian who has failed to land much airtime, while others believe it’s an ex-soap star now struggling for work. The guessing game has only stoked further tension, as no celebrity wants to be publicly identified as the lowest earner.

The dancers themselves, often underpaid compared to their celebrity partners, are also feeling the sting. Several pros have quietly grumbled that while celebrities bicker over sums, they’re locked into strict BBC contracts with little room for negotiation. One pro vented: “We train them, choreograph, carry the routines—and yet the money talk always ignores us. It’s insulting.”

As the season continues, the question now is whether the pay scandal will overshadow the competition itself. Some viewers are already promising to boycott voting, while others say they’ll deliberately support whoever is earning the least. The potential for audience manipulation based on pay has the BBC scrambling to control the narrative.

Ironically, the one thing saving Strictly right now is the sheer drama the scandal has unleashed. Viewership has spiked as fans tune in to spot tension on-screen, watching for side-eyes, awkward exchanges, and any sign of resentment between contestants. Producers may not admit it, but the controversy has turned into a ratings goldmine.

Still, the damage to morale is undeniable. One insider summed it up bluntly: “This should be about dancing and joy, but it’s turned into a circus over money. Some of these celebs are seething. You can see it when the cameras aren’t rolling. They’re exhausted, but now they’re also bitter.”

As glitter falls from the rafters each Saturday, Strictly remains a dazzling spectacle for viewers at home. But behind the glamour, the pay scandal has left cracks in the ballroom floor that won’t be easily repaired. Whether the BBC can smooth it over—or whether resentment will boil into full-blown rebellion—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the drama off the dancefloor is proving just as gripping as the paso doble.