Strictly Come Dancing “open” to idea of same-sex couples

The BBC has revealed that it is “completely open” to the possibility of having same-sex couples compete onStrictly Come Dancing.

The concept has been a hot topic over the last couple of years, with professional choreographer AJ Pritchard and judges Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas all sharing their support for the idea.

But even though one of last year’s results shows opened with a same-sex dance routine,Strictlyfans were no closer to seeing same-sex competitors make their mark, until now.

Related:David Walliams wants to be part ofStrictly Come Dancing‘s first same-sex couple

In a statement obtained byMetro, a BBC spokesperson said: “Strictly Come Dancingis 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.”

Whether or not we’ll actually see any same-sex pairings on the dancefloor anytime soon remains to be seen.

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Prior to this year’s crop of celebrities being announced, pro dancer AJ volunteered himself to be part of the show’s first same-sex pairing.

“If they do decide to finally do same-sex partners onStrictlythis year I 100% want to be the pro to do it. If it’s going to be anyone [in a same-sex pairing], I’d like it to be me. I’m 100% the pro to do it. I guess it all depends on who the celebrity contestants are this year,” he toldDaily Mail.

“So I think we have to wait and see; but if same-sex partnerships do happen it’s going to be so captivating. And I am very open to it. People enjoy seeing bodies moving, it doesn’t matter [about gender].”

Strictly Come Dancingis back on Saturday, September 7, airing on BBC One.

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