STRICTLY Come Dancing will allow same-sex couples for the first time next year.
For the last few years, the BBC One dancing show has faced increasing demands to allow couples of the same-sex to dance together.
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And now The Mirror claims show bosses have finally decided to relax their rules regarding men and women dancing with each other.
One insider revealed to the publication: “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.
“The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain.”
The source added bosses had done a U-turn after realising other nations had embraced the idea, such as Dancing With The Stars in Australia, which most recently saw drag artist Courtney Act dance with a male professional.
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The source continued: “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.
“It could well be that we follow the Aussie model and go for a charismatic drag act, because Courtney Act proved hugely popular with traditionally conservative Australian viewers.
“And why not shake things up a bit over here? It’ll be fun. Exciting times are ahead.”
So far, the only time same-sex dancing has occurred on Strictly was during a professional group routine on last year’s series, which was positively received by viewers.
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A BBC spokesperson told The Sun Online: “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.”
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has spoken of his desire to see same-sex couples on the show on a number of occasions in the past.
Last year, he said: “I think more and more people want it – maybe the BBC will be brave enough one day to do it.”
And 2018 contestant, Dr Ranj Singh, also said he would like to see men and women take to the floor together in the future.
He said: “I would love to dance with a same-sex partner.”
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