It's usually celebrity contestants with two left feet who the judges have an issue with.

But this time the panel from Strictly Come Dancing are out of step with the BBC - over pay.

Only weeks before the hit BBC1 show airs, two of the four are threatening to quit after being told they will not be paid more even though the series will be four weeks longer.

Divided: Strictly Come Dancing judges Bruno Tonioli, who earns big bucks on the U.S. show Dancing With The Stars, and Arlene Phillips who is threatening to quit the BBC's extended sixth series unless she gets and extra £10,000

Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman, Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood each get £50,000 to judge the contest.

However Miss Phillips and Mr Revel Horwood are demanding another £10,000 each for the extended sixth series which will run until Christmas.

The BBC is said to be 'digging its heels in', saying the fee is for the series, regardless of how many shows are made.

To make matters worse the judges are divided on the issue - the two who earn well from judging the American version of the show are reportedly less annoyed while the others are threatening to walk out.

Negotiations between TV bosses and the disgruntled pair ended with the corporation standing its ground.

Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli are thought to earn hundreds of thousands as judges on ABC network's Dancing With The Stars.

A source said: 'There was a big falling out - a huge row.

'But the problem for them is that when the programme first began - before it became a huge success - they all leapt at the chance and signed the contract.

'Now they are saying the success of the show is down to them.

'The BBC's thinking is that the judges make money on the back of magazines deals and other spin-offs and that if they are not on the show, all those opportunities will dry up.

'But Arlene and Craig are of the opinion that if they can pay Jonathan Ross £18million (over three years), then they have to be worth more than £50,000 with such a ratings winner.

'The BBC is currently digging its heels in and is not going to be bullied on this point.'

The source also revealed that Strictly's professional dancers are not getting paid more for the extra four weeks.

But purse strings will be stretched by the spiralling costume budget needed to kit the dancers out in glitzy, hand-made gowns specially designed for each dance.

The BBC said it did not disclose details of salaries, which was 'both sensitive and private'.

It said it looked forward to resolving the matter amicably in the near future.