Strictly’s Motsi Mabuse to ask for pay rise to £120k to match fellow judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel-Horwood

NEW Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse is to ask for a pay rise, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.

Sources close to the star, 38, say she wants her fee to match that of her fellow judges on the BBC show after she was brought in at a lower rate.

And she believes she is entitled to a raise after her first year on the panel was a huge success.

TV bosses are said to be thrilled with Motsi — the sister of pro dancer Oti — after she won over millions of fans with her charisma.

The former Latin champion also wants her pay to reward her for her travel, as she commutes back and forth from Germany for the show.

It is understood Motsi was paid considerably less than the £120,000 per series paid to fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli.

“But she also wants the same pay as the other judges.

“Last year she was a relative unknown in Britain, but now she has proved a hit, she feels she has earned the right to a larger salary.

One close source said: “Motsi had a fantastic time on Strictly last year, and there’s no question that she would like to come back.

“She also wants her pay to reflect the travelling she does. She has told pals that she is determined to get what she wants.”

South African Motsi was a judge on Germany’s Let’s Dance for eight years before she was asked to replace Darcey Bussell on Strictly and was an instant hit.

The source added: “No conversations have been formally had, but Motsi feels she has a right to negotiate a better deal. And it seems likely BBC bosses will do all they can to ensure she’s happy.”

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