'DOI' professionals 'threaten to strike'

[dutchman]

The professional skaters on Dancing On Ice have reportedly threatened to strike.

The People claims that a group of the dancers almost walked out before last Sunday's show because of a dispute over pay and conditions.

While some of the veteran skaters on the programme earn up to £20,000 for the series, the four new professionals - Brianne Delcourt, Matthew Gonzalez, Molly Moenkhoff and Alexandra Schumann - are allegedly making just £9,000.

The professionals have complained that their restrictive contracts prohibit them from making extra money outside the show. They are also reportedly hoping to gain more "recognition" for their work.

"At one stage it looked like there would be no show at all last week," a source said. "We need to sort out the problem or it could go down to the wire again tonight.

"There are all sorts of issues that need to be resolved. Not just money, but also recognition. There are spin-off computer games and DVDs coming out over which the skaters feel they are being ignored. The pros don't want to strike and spoil things for viewers, but it's a mess and needs sorting."

An ITV spokesperson declined to comment on the claims but suggested that the current lineup could be replaced.

"Dancing On Ice is a great opportunity for pro skaters," the representative said. "Producers will look very closely at the Winter Olympics next week for new faces."

Dancing On Ice continues tonight at 6.25pm on ITV1.