Strictly Come Dancing to ‘allow same sex couples to dance together’ next year

Strictly Come Dancing is set to allow same-sex couples to dance together for the first time next year, according to reports.

For the last few years, there have been calls for Boses of the BBC One show to allow same sex couples to dance together. The Mirror report the broadcaster have relaxed their stance on the change, as a source promised "exciting times ahead" on the show. A Strictly insider said:

"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.”

They explained that the change of heart came after they saw other countries embrace the idea, like Dancing With the Stars in Australia. 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.”

• Strictly Come Dancing 2019 debuts on BBC One on Saturday, September 7.