Dancing on Ice made history earlier in the year when the ITV series returned with its first-ever same-sex pairing. Ian ‘H’ Watkins was partnered with Matt Evers and the Steps star couldn’t resist taking a swipe at rival BBC show Strictly Come Dancing for failing to follow suit. Although Strictly have stated they are “open” to same-sex pairings, bosses have yet to confirm whether one will feature in the upcoming series
However, Bruno Tonioli has spoken out on the potential show shake-up and urged bosses not to introduce a same-sex pair simply for “headlines.”
The Strictly judge said: “We would have to be very careful because we wouldn’t want to do it just to get headlines.
“It has to be the right person and couple for it to work,” he told The Sun.
“The search needs to start and it’s something that is possible,” he added. “But it shouldn’t be headline chasing.”
This comes as after Dancing on Ice introduced their first-ever same-sex pair as H and Matt wowed viewers on the ice.
Following his exit, Ian took a cheeky swipe at the ITV’s rival show for not including a same-sex pairing of their own.
He commented: “And, I’d like to say as well, Strictly, it’s your turn next!”
Despite Strictly never having a celebrity and professional same-sex couple, the show has featured an all-male professional routine.
“That says so much about the people of this country. To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous.
“There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement. It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”
Strictly confirmed in August last year that it would be proud to welcome same-sex pairings in the future.
“Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same-sex dancing among the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series,” a spokesperson for the show explained.
“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.”
Meanwhile, a former Wimbledon winner could be set to swap tennis for the Tango as the first star to sign up.
According to the latest Strictly odds, Maria Sharapova could be about to join the long list of sporting heroes that have taken up dancing.
The Russian superstar has announced her retirement from the sport and bookmakers reckon Strictly could be her next move.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
