BBC are 'completely open' to featuring same sex couples on 'Strictly Come Dancing' in the future

Same sex couples could feature in future series of Strictly Come Dancing (Photo by BBC)
Same sex couples could feature in future series of Strictly Come Dancing (Photo by BBC)

The BBC have revealed that they would be open to having same sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing in the future.

Ahead of the new series which will see a host of celebrities including Catherine Tyldesley, Michelle Visage, Anneka Rice and Chris Ramsay, putting their best foot forward on the dancefloor, reports have claimed that the show will feature same sex couples from next year.

A source told the Mirror: “Having previously thought it was unnecessary, it has dawned on people at the BBC that the original British show looks a bit backwards in not having embraced the notion of a same-sex couple.”

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However, whilst the BBC has confirmed that there are currently “no plans” to make any changes to the current format, it could change in the future.

“Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same-sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series,” a spokesperson told the Evening Standard.

Craig Revel Horwood (left), Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli (right) arriving at the red carpet launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2019, held at BBC TV Centre in London, UK. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)
Craig Revel Horwood (left) has previously shown his support for same sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)

"We are completely open to the prospect of including same-sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise."

The debate about having same sex couples on Strictly has been on-going with Strictly stars and judges declaring their support for the change.

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Craig Revel Horwood said: “I think more and more people want it, the more it will happen.

"I have no argument against it. I think it would be rather fun. Maybe the BBC will be brave enough one day to do it."

Dr Ranj Singh, who appeared on the show in 2018, said of the debate: “I would love to dance with a same-sex partner.”

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