Britain's Got Talent bosses 'risk another pay row as Bruno Tonioli gets rise'
Britain's Got Talent's Bruno Tonioli is said to have been given a pay rise - which could upset his co-stars.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 67, joined the talent show earlier this year and has reportedly been given a pay bump ahead of the next season. Insiders have claimed it could upset co-stars Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. Earlier this year it was claimed the long-standing judges were furious that Bruno could end up getting the same salary as them.
Amanda has been on the show since 2007 and Alesha joined in 2012. Insiders have claimed the pair would be unhappy if Bruno entered on the same wage despite their longevity on the show. Ahead of the latest series, reports have suggested Simon Cowell has stepped in to make sure Bruno earns less than his female co-stars.
Amanda and Alesha reportedly threatened to quit earlier this year in another pay row (Getty Images)However, it is not confirmed that Bruno may receive a higher salary than his co-stars but sources told the Mirror that the atmosphere on the show remains positive.
A TV insider told the Sun: "The moment Amanda and Alesha get wind of this they will be asking some serious questions of the execs on the show. It's nothing personal aimed at Bruno, both of his fellow judges love him and feel he's fitted in brilliantly, and they know the show's bosses aren't about to give him a higher wage than them.
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"But Amanda has been on BGT for 16 years and Alesha has clocked up 11 years, and there's now the prospect of him bagging a pay deal that brings him close to them after just one series." Bruno's contract is allegedly renewed annually, whereas both Amanda and Alesha have a three-year contract they are believed to have signed earlier this year.
In January, it was reported Amanda and Alesha were refusing to sign their contracts, which sees them get an estimated £850,000 salary. A source told The Sun it has been a "bit of a headache for BGT" as Bruno was still "ironing out his contract" on Friday, ahead of filming starting on Tuesday.
It was said Amanda and Alesha held back on signing their new deal until David Walliams ' replacement was confirmed. Following the dance choreographer's announcement he would be the new judge, the duo were said to quiz bosses about their wages.
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."
They continued: "Both were fully prepared to walk if, as women, they were paid less than the men." However, the rumours were squashed as the BGT team insisted Amanda, Alesha, and Simon were all 'delighted' to return to the show and welcome new judge Bruno Tonioli onto the judging panel. A Britain's Got Talent Spokesperson told The Mirror: “Simon, Amanda, Alesha and Ant and Dec were delighted to welcome Bruno to the Britain’s Got Talent family yesterday for the first day of auditions for 2023.
"The opening day’s contestants featured some fantastic auditions and the rapport between the judges - including newcomer Bruno - was fun and immediate. This bodes well for a very successful new series."
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