Dancing with the Stars Judges’ Surprising Dressing Room Demands Revealed

They are the high profile cast of one of the most popular shows on Australian TV.

And the judges of Dancing with the Stars – Craig Revel Horwood, Helen Richey, Sharna Burgess, and Mark Wilson – turn on the glamour under the lights.

But according to a new interview, they like to keep things simple behind the scenes, making few demands on the producers for their ‘dressing room’ hospitality.

All four of the DWTS judges sat down with this week’s New Idea to reveal their ‘riders’ – showbiz slang for ‘special demands’ – and their ‘confessions’ were surprising.

For former ballroom dazzler, and long-term Dancing with the Stars guru Helen Richey, 78, told the publication that  she only needs, ‘Fresh fruit and a comfortable chair’.

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Dancing with the Stars judges’ Craig Revel Horwood , Helen Richey (pictured), Sharna Burgess, and Mark Wilson – according to a new interview, like to keep things simple behind the scenes, making few demands on the producers for their ‘dressing room’ hospitality

Judge Sharna Burgess confessed that her tastes for dressing room treats backstage have changed since her first stint on DWTS in 2009. 

‘Eight years ago you’d see tequila, beer, coffee and a veggie plate,’ she told the publication.

‘These days its all about electrolytes, fruit and water. Oh, and Red Bull, which I never drink unless I’m judging. 

‘This mama’s bedtime is 8.30pm so the caffeine hit has to be extra large.’

Mark Wilson told New Idea that while he tried to keep his backstage beverage to ‘sparkling’ water and ‘healthy snacks. 

His co-star and judge Craig Revel Horwood can ‘show up [in his dressing room] with French wine’.

‘And suddenly its party central,’ he joked, adding, ‘One minute I’m judging the cha-cha and the next I’m yelling ”Craig where’s my hair?’

‘It all starts with sparkling water and healthy snacks, but then Craig shows up with his French wine and suddenly its party central in the dressing room.’

Craig, meanwhile, admitted only to having a taste for ‘savoury Shapes with French onion dip’ as his favourite dressing room fare.

It comes as the 2025 season of Dancing With The Stars Australia is already causing a stir – and it’s not because of the cha-cha.

All four of the DWTS judges revealed their ‘riders’ – showbiz slang for ‘special demands’. Pictured: DWTS Sharna Burgess and her husband Brian Austin Green

Mark Wilson (pictured) told New Idea that while he tried to keep his backstage beverage to ‘sparkling’ water and ‘healthy snacks, his co-star and judge Craig Revel Horwood can ‘show up [in his dressing room] with French wine’

A bombshell report reveals the jaw-dropping salaries being pocketed by this year’s celebrity cast.

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.

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

‘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.

A slew of younger and emerging 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 all reportedly take home just $27,000 each.

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

Craig Revel Horwood (pictured), meanwhile, admitted only to having a taste for ‘savoury Shapes with French onion dip’ as his favourite dressing room fare

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

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

‘Big-name veterans like Rebecca and Osher command the highest fees because viewers know and love them,’ the source said.

‘But with a limited budget, not everyone can be on six figures.’