BGT pay row erupts as Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon 'won’t sign contracts'
Britain's Got Talent bosses face a major headache as Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon are said to be furious new judge Bruno Tonioli will receive the same wage as them.
The Italian joins the long-standing judges on the panel of the hit talent contest and is reportedly set to bag the same £850,000 salary as the mainstays.
With filming set to start on Tuesday, the show could be plunged into disarray with Alesha, 44, and Amanda, 51, allegedly refusing to sign a new deal.
The newest series will be Amanda's 17th on the show, while it will mark Alesha's 11th season in the judges' hot seat.
Insiders are claiming the pair are far from happy that Bruno could be able to walk into his first series on the same wage as they are despite their longevity on the show.
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Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon have been a mainstay of Britain's Got Talent (Getty Images)A source 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.
"Bruno was still ironing out his contract on Friday too so it’s all very much down to the wire."
It's said Amanda and Alesha held back on signing their new deal until David Walliams ' replacement was confirmed. And now, following the 67-year-old choreographer's announcement, the duo are ready to quiz bosses about their current wage.
Bruno Tonioli is due to join the judging panel of Britain's Got Talent (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
And he is expected to see his income increase significantly in the process (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)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 to say the women "will not budge" as they don't think it's fair he should get the same deal as them in his maiden year.
Alesha had previously told Fabulous Magazine she was always going to stick with Amanda, saying the pair would never allow another to pit them against each other.
Alesha said she'll always stick by her fellow judge (Getty Images)
Amanda has been on BGT for 17 seasons (Dave Benett/Getty Images)When the show hits the air once again, fans will see a format shake-up according to reports.
Last month, an insider claimed that ITV bosses have "overhauled the audition process" and invited viewers to secretly suggest a friend or family member for an audition.
The insider told The Sun: "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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The Mirror has contacted representatives for Britain's Got Talent, Alesha and Amanda for comment.
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