This year’s stars of Strictly Come Dancing found out who their celebrity partner was last night but it seems there could be a change to pairings in future.
For a number of years there’s been rumours of same-sex pairings, with former contestants including Dr Ranj Singh admitting he was disappointed he couldn’t dance with a man.
Now, the BBC have said they’re “completely open” to the idea of same-sex couples if the opportunity arises.
A spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “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.
“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.”
It comes after a show source told Mirror Online, it could come happen next series.
They said bosses are said to have had a change of heart over the decision.
“Bosses have said while there aren’t any same sex pairings in this series, they’d definitely be open to it, given the right combination of celebs and dancers,” a source told the publication.
They added the show aims to reflect modern Britain and be inclusive.
“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,” they continued.
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The source explained it would come after Courtney Act’s performance on the Australian version.
“Any why not shake things u p a bit over here?” they said. “It’ll be fun. Exciting times are ahead.”
Courtney previously spoke out on the lack of same-sex couples on the BBC show, noting: “It shocks me that it hasn’t happened in the UK.
“The institution of ballroom dancing is being used as an excuse. They’re hiding behind that.
“Maybe the audience skews older and they think viewers would;t like it.
“But it needs to happen – people will be surprised how positively it is received.”
Judge Craig Revel Horwood has also spoken out in favour of a change to the line-up.
“I think more and more people want it – maybe the BBC will be brace enough one day to do it,” he remarked.
It comes after this year’s contestant Catherine Tyldesley said she was so excited to find out who she’d be dancing with, she might wee.
She posted on Instagram: “This is it, today’s the day that we find out who our partners are. Oh god! I’ve been up since about six o’clock. I feel like a little Jack Russell that needs a massive wee.
“I might actually wee when I get my partner. Oh it’s all to exciting, I can’t wait! I’d say I’ll keep you posted but I won’t be allowed to tell you which is just really annoying.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday 7 September on BBC One at 7.10pm.
