Will Young has reportedly had his ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ pay cheque slashed from £25,000 to £5,000.
The ‘Leave Right Now’ singer threw the show into chaos earlier this week when he announced he had quit the competition, and now BBC bosses are said to only be paying him the small amount because he broke his contract.
An insider has also claimed that despite citing "personal reasons" for his decision to hang up his dancing shoes, producer reportedly feel he left because he didn’t think he could take home the glitterball trophy.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It became obvious that despite his huge dance background he was never going to be a contender because there are so many better celebs.
"The few previous contestants to go have quit because they’re injured or a family member has died – not because they feel they can’t win."
The 32-year-old star will not be replaced on the show, despite viewers hoping Tameka Empson – who was eliminated last weekend – could return in his place.
A representative for ‘Strictly’ said: "The series will continue as planned with an elimination every week until the grand final. The previously eliminated contestants will not be returning to the competition."
The former ‘Pop Idol’ winner’s shock exit came just two days after he locked horns with head judge Len Goodman over his Bollywood-inspired Salsa routine on Saturday (08.10.16).
The 72-year-old ballroom dancer thought the energetic display lacked the traditional dance moves of a Salsa, to which Will argued that his routine contained all 24 counts needed.
However, Len had the last word as he told Will to "show up, keep up, and shut up."
Will’s departure has left his professional partner Karen Clifton "so sad" but she understands that he didn’t make the decision lightly and wishes him all the best for the future.
She wrote on Twitter: "I know it wasn’t an easy decision for him. It was great dancing with him, he was such fun to work with and I wish him all the very best for the future."
His now-former competitors also rallied around him as they said they were "gutted" he had been forced to leave the competition.
Will Young’s Strictly Come Dancing pay cut
