Madeley, Osbourne 'quit Strictly'

Rex Features

Tabloid reports have claimed that Richard Madeley and Sharon Osbourne have pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing.

According to The Mirror, the pair quit the series over pay cuts. The newspaper also alleged that the professional dancers are "refusing to sign contracts" because of reductions in pay.

"Sharon is a serious player in America’s Got Talent," said a source. "What the BBC finally offered was ridiculous."

A BBC spokesperson has denied the allegations, but admitted that producers had held talks with Osbourne and Madeley.

Strictly will return to BBC One in the autumn. Kay Burley, Natalie Cassidy and comedian Johnny Vegas have all been tipped to appear on the seventh series.