Are judges set to follow Claudia and Tess - and quit Strictly? BBC bosses terrified as panel's contracts are up at the end of this season

When Strictly Come Dancing unveiled its new presenting trio, loyal fans were left fearful for the future of their favourite television programme.

But if viewers think this series is bad, sources close to the BBC show warn that next year could be even worse: bosses are terrified that the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will lead to the judges going too.

Their contracts finish at the end of this season – meaning it will be time for head judge Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke to renegotiate with the corporation.

Insiders suggest that Ms Ballas, 66, may not return for what would be her 11th series, with speculation rife that she may relocate to the US to spend more time with her son Mark, a professional dancer on America's Dancing With The Stars, and his two children.

One source said: 'The one thing that the BBC knew would keep some continuity this year was that the judges would all be back. They are under contract so that was a guarantee for the bosses and was definitely one less headache for them. But anything could happen. Any of them could walk away now and they will be free agents.

'The most likely is Shirley. She has done a decade now and she has grandchildren that she wants to see more of.

'The terms of their contracts will have to be renegotiated, and if the judges don't like what the BBC is offering maybe they won't return.

'It will all be very up in the air in December once this run is over.'

In 2023, the judges enraged BBC bosses when they demanded an 11 per cent pay rise on their salaries, which are thought to be between £200,000 and £300,000 for the three-and-a-half-month stint.

Chiefs were furious at the demands and refused. Instead, the judges took a raise of between 3 and 5 per cent. 

A show source said: 'If they want more money again, it's unlikely that will happen. 

'The BBC can't justify these salaries and now the viewing figures have tanked there's even less of a chance they will get more next time.' 

Ratings have dropped by around 1.5 million for this year's series, which features new presenting team Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

While Ms Willis is regarded as a 'top pro', Mr Widdicombe has been criticised for being 'wooden' while Mr Radebe has struggled to get his timings right.

On Saturday night's 'icons week' show, Dani Dyer was praised by the judges for her 'beautiful' rumba, which she danced to Mariah Carey's Hero. 

The former Love Island winner, 30, earned 25 points for the routine, with Ms Ballas commending her timing and movement.