Strictly Come Dancing is planning to welcome a same-sex couple for the first time, according to reports.
It is alleged bosses on the show are seeking to pair up a high-profile LGBTQ+ woman to make up one half of the pairing when the show airs later this year.
Possible contenders reportedly include Sex Education star Gillian Anderson, singer Jessie J, and TV presenter Steph McGovern.
Insiders claimed that bosses have ruled out an all-male couple – because they reportedly reckon it would be “too predictable”.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said: “Obviously ‘diversity’ is the keyword in television today and, of course, Strictly wants to be progressive.
Insiders claim bosses have ruled out all-male couple – because they reckon it would be ‘too predictable’ (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
“But all of the pros, male and female, have said they would be delighted to be partnered with someone of their own gender.”
Chelcee Grimes and former Great British Bake Off host Sandi Toksvig are also allegedly being considered by BBC bosses.
A BBC spokesperson responded to the claims in a statement.
It read: “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.”
The show’s same-sex dance between Johannes Radebe, 32, and Graziano Di Prima, 25, last year attracted almost 200 complaints from angry viewers.
Strictly has never featured a same-sex couple before (Image: PA)
The duo danced barefoot during Emile Sande’s performance on the results show, which aired on November 3.
During their dance routine – which included spins, lifts and gymnastic tricks – they also performed alongside Luba Mushtuk and Aljaž Škorjanec.
However, the BBC has released info which recorded 189 viewers complaining over the same-sex routine, as they found it “offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair”.
Strictly returns later this year (Image: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com)
The corporation then released a statement defending its decision to feature Johannes and Graziano dancing together.
It said: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance.
“They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”
Daily Star Online has contacted the BBC for comment about its use of a same-sex pairing.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
