'Strictly' dancers 'criticise tour pay'

The Strictly Come Dancing professionals are reportedly angry after learning that they will be paid less than the celebrities for the upcoming tour.

According to the News of the World, the celebrities will be paid £11,000 a week for the tour, while the professional dancers will only receive £5,500 per week.

The show's organisers have reportedly been forced to delay the lineup while they try to resolve the dispute.

"Yet again, it's one law for the celebs and another for us dancers," one of the professionals said. "Often dancers are bigger stars than the celebs. Take Ola Jordan - she is a far bigger draw than, say, Lynda Bellingham. We feel like we are being treated as second-class citizens.

"We think we should be getting more than last year and our pay should be more in line with the celebrities."

Meanwhile, a BBC source said: "There was some disquiet from a minority of the dancers about the level of pay. But the tour will go ahead as planned and be brilliant."

The Strictly live tour begins in January and will last for six weeks.