Darcey Bussell signs new Strictly Come Dancing contract

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
12:07 PM

Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell has signed a new deal to return to the panel next year.

The former ballerina replaced Alesha Dixon - who left for ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent - on the judging panel of the BBC One show this year.

She reportedly insisted on the new contract because she was moving her family over from Australia, and if producers had have sacked her, she would have been entitled to another £100,000 for the second year of the deal.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “Her first outing divided people but she has grown into the role tremendously. The other judges love her as she knows her onions.

“And producers actually think she is better than Alesha.”

Darcey faced criticism on her first night by repeatedly saying “yah” instead of “yes” and for being too posh.

However, she finally won over fans by arguing with head judge Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood. Len and Craig will also return next year, as will Bruno Tonioli.