It’s the popular reality show that’s been entertaining audiences for almost two decades.

But it appears the curtain may be about to fall on Dancing With The Stars – for now, at least.

The long-running series, hosted by Dr Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger, was conspicuously absent from Seven’s annual Upfronts presentation this week.

Interestingly, it looks to be the only Seven reality staple to not get a guernsey in 2026, with the likes of My Kitchen Rules, Australian Idol, Farmer Wants A Wife and The Voice all making a return next year.

According to TV Blackbox, insiders claim the show has not been axed, but its renewal has simply been paused.

It has been suggested that high production costs are the reason behind the decision.

It appears the curtain may be about to fall on Dancing with the Stars – for now, at least. (Pictured: hosts Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger)

Since the ballroom series only airs once a week on Sundays, it is a far less cost-effective proposition than other shows in Seven’s reality line-up, which are broadcast across multiple nights.

It was also claimed, however, that Seven execs are happy with the show’s performance and will continue to ‘review its options regarding the future of the format’.

The 2025 season proved to be a ratings winner for Seven, averaging 922,000 national total TV viewers – a 5 per cent increase on 2024, according to the publication.

The grand finale, which Home and Away star Kyle Schilling and dance partner Lily Cornish won, enticed 937,000 national viewers to tune in.

Daily Mail has reached out to Channel Seven for comment.

The claims come after the jaw-dropping salaries of the 2025 cast were revealed in June, just weeks out from the season premiere.

At the top of the earnings ladder are three powerhouse TV names – actress Rebecca Gibney, long-time Bachelor and Masked Singer host Osher Günsberg, and comedy icon Shaun Micallef.

All three are reportedly cashing in with a hefty $100,000 payday for their appearances on the hit Channel Seven series, according to Woman’s Day.

The long-running series, hosted by Dr Chris Brown and Sonia Kruger, was conspicuously absent at Seven’s annual Upfronts presentation this week. Interestingly, it looks to be the only Seven reality staple to not get a gurnsey in 2026, with the likes of My Kitchen Rules, Australian Idol, Farmer Wants A Wife and The Voice all making a return next year

According to TV Blackbox, insiders have claimed that the show has not been axed, but rather its renewal has been paused

‘Those names bring legacy, credibility and built-in fan bases,’ one well-placed production insider told Daily Mail at the time.

‘Producers know they’re worth the investment.’

Meanwhile, Olympic swimming legend Susie O’Neill, AFL premiership hero Trent Cotchin, and 7News anchor Michael Usher are said to be sitting in the middle tier, each earning $47,000.

‘These are respected names with solid followings, but they’re not necessarily expected to set the dance floor or social media on fire,’ the insider added.

But it’s the bottom of the pay scale where things get interesting.

A host of younger and up-and-coming stars—including radio host Brittany Hockley, influencer Mia Fevola, Olympic boxer Harry Garside, comedian Felicity Ward, Home and Away star Kyle Shilling, and newsreader Karina Carvalho—will each reportedly take home just $27,000.

‘Some of them were surprised by how little they were offered,’ claimed another insider.

‘But for newer names or those looking to raise their profile, the exposure is worth more than the pay packet.’

The 2025 season proved to be a ratings winner for Seven, averaging 922,000 TV viewers – a per cent increase on 2024 according to the publication. The grand finale, which was won by Home and Away star Kyle Schilling and dance partner Lily Cornish (pictured), enticed 937,000 national viewers to tune in

Upon it’s return to Seven, inaugural host Daryl Somers returned to the series`alongside Sonia Kruger. He left the series at the end of 2023, to be replaced by current host Dr Chris Brown

However, the TV vet’s debut received a lacklustre response from fans, with many calling for the Hey Hey It’s Saturday icon’s return

Industry insiders say the vast salary divide comes down to a mix of legacy status, network loyalty, and public appeal.

Dancing With The Stars started life on seven back in 2004, airing on the network until 2015.

It then jumped to rival network Ten from 2019 to 2020 with hosts Grant Denyer and Amanda Keller.

After Ten announced it had axed the series in October 2020, Seven regained the rights to the series and has aired it ever since.

Upon its return to Seven, inaugural host Daryl Somers returned to the series` alongside Sonia Kruger.

He left the series at the end of 2023, to be replaced by current host Dr Chris Brown.

However, the TV vet’s debut received a lacklustre response from fans, with many calling for the Hey Hey It’s Saturday icon’s return.

One person wrote: ‘I’m watching #DancingAU but feel sorry that Daryl isn’t hosting.’

Also not helping matters is the fact that the US iteration of Dancing With The Stars has crept into the national consciousness, thanks to some bravura performances by wildlife warrior Robert Irwin and dance partner Witney Carson

Further, the calibre of stars on offer far outstrips what the Seven iteration plates up for Australian viewers. This season, Robert is facing off against the likes of Alec Baldwin’s wife Hilaria (pictured), 80s heartthrob Corey Feldman and Boy Meets World actress Danielle Fishel

It has also proved to be a ratings juggernaut for ABC/Disney+ with its recent Dedications episode, which saw a tear-filled cameo from Robert’s mum Terri, reaching a whopping 5.98 million viewers, according to The Wrap

‘Don’t get me wrong, I love Dr Chris Brown, but I feel sorry for Daryl Somers,’ another said.

A third took a direct shot at Daryl’s replacement, commenting: ‘We still trying to make Chris Brown happen?’

Others disagreed with the naysayers, with one person saying: ‘I think Chris is going to be great in the post-performance, sky lounge role.’

Also not helping matters is the fact that the US iteration of Dancing With The Stars has crept into the national consciousness, thanks to some bravura performances by wildlife warrior Robert Irwin and dance partner Witney Carson.

Further, the calibre of stars on offer far outstrips what the Seven iteration plates up for Australian viewers.

This season, Robert is facing off against the likes of Alec Baldwin’s wife Hilaria, 80s heartthrob Corey Feldman and Boy Meets World actress Danielle Fishel.

It has also proved to be a ratings juggernaut for ABC/Disney+ with its recent Dedications episode reaching a whopping 5.98 million viewers, according to The Wrap.

It was also the fourth consecutive week the viewer numbers had risen for the popular series.

The episode, which saw Robert surprise fans with a tear-filled cameo from mum Terri, also saw the biggest social audience of the season with 4 million total interactions.

Fan voting also hit a new high, with 50.15 million votes cast – an 11 per cent uptick from the previous Disney-inspired episode.