The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is just around the corner and we can't wait….. but its been revealed that even after pressure from fans AND some judges, the bosses of the show will NOT be allowing same-sex couples to dance together.
The last few years has seen fans of the BBC dancing show putting pressure on producers to allow gay competitors to dance with someone of the same sex if they wish.
Last years show saw two openly gay contestants perform, daytime TV fave Robert Judge Rinder and comedienne Susan Calman, but both were paired with someone of the opposite sex.
A spokesperson for the show said: “Strictly has chosen the longstanding ballroom dancing format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition.”
Previously, Judge Rinder, 40, had been against having same sex couples on the show telling the BBC last year: “Some things aint politics and Strictly is one of them.”
He soon changed his mind though and recently told The Daily Telegraph: “Strictly is a big part of some peoples lives and for a young gay person going through (a difficult time), they could see that it can be fun, joyous and OK.”
However, Susan was keen to dance with a man and received a backlash from her fans on social media after tweeting about it.
Support for the change this year isnt just coming from contestants and fans, as the judges have had their say too.
Head judge Shirley Ballas, 57, joined Strictly last year and is already trying to shake things up. The ballroom champion told Good Morning Britain: “I think things are changing and I couldnt think of anything more exciting. Im for it.”
Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood, 53, also said he couldnt understand why there havent been any same sex couples on the show as it wouldnt effect any technical moves but understands it would be breaking ballroom traditions.
Clergyman Richard Coles, who competed in the show last year, told Digital Spy he agrees it makes “no sense” to not be able to be partnered with someone of the same sex.
We dont care who they cha cha slide with, we just love the dancing!
Words by Leanne Carr.
The post Strictly Come Dancing bosses will NOT allow same-sex couples on BBC show appeared first on Woman Magazine.
