BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'making major change' for first time in five years
The forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to break from recent tradition, as it will be the first series in five years not to feature a same-sex couple, according to The Mail on Sunday.
It's understood that this decision was made by producers earlier this month, with some insiders suggesting it was an attempt to return the popular BBC1 show to its traditional roots.
One source revealed to the publication that while the broadcaster aims to be seen as 'inclusive and progressive', executives are aware that 'not everyone is going to like' same-sex pairings.
This move comes despite the all-male duo of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin reaching the final last year. Professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima made history when they became the first same-sex couple to dance together on the show in 2019.
function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114945&playerApiId=v114945');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114945"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})This one-off performance attracted 189 complaints, but executives stated that the gender of contestants should have 'no bearing' on their dancing.
In 2020, ex-boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones became the first same-sex couple to compete, but had to withdraw in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.
In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the finals. The subsequent year saw comedian Jayde Adams paired with Karen Hauer, but they were sent packing in week five, reports Birmingham Live.
Get the latest Strictly news straight to your inbox with our Strictly Come Dancing newsletter
Don't miss...
BBC Breakfast viewers moan 'move on' minutes into live show [REACTION ]
Carol Kirkwood goes missing from BBC Breakfast as co-star issues announcement [LATEST]
Ian McKellen shares extent of injuries as he gives update after stage fall [INSIGHT]
This one-off performance attracted 189 complaints, but executives stated that the gender of contestants should have 'no bearing' on their dancing.
In 2020, ex-boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones became the first same-sex couple to compete, but had to withdraw in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.
In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the finals. The subsequent year saw comedian Jayde Adams paired with Karen Hauer, but they were sent packing in week five, reports Birmingham Live.
Angela Rippon shared his disappointment that Kai is missing out (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Meanwhile, fans have been left disappointed as it has been reported that Kai Widdrington is without a partner this year. His 2023 partner Angela Rippon also shared her opinion on him missing out.
She told Express.co.uk: "I'm really disappointed for him. I'm equally disappointed for female celebs, because he's a brilliant all around dancer, he's a fabulous teacher, wonderful teacher.
"He's got the patience and he's got humour, and he's brilliant at what he does. And I'm really disappointed for them, because they're not going to have the fun and the joy that I had in dancing with him and learning from him."
Strictly is set to return next month on September 14 for its 20th anniversary series.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'making major change' for first time in five years
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'making major change' for first time in five years
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'making major change' for first time in five years
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'making major change' for first time in five years
BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'making major change' for first time in five years
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute