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Shirley Ballas backs same-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing

Could this happen?

Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas has said she “couldn’t think of anything more exciting” than having a same-sex couple take part in the show.

The BBC has previously said there are “no plans” to change its mixed-sex couple format.

However, Shirley, 57, told Good Morning Britain on Thursday: “They’re just about to have the final of the Italian version of Strictly. A same-sex couple, two men, made the final.”

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Shirley said she would love the show to have same-sex couples (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Strictly’s Shirley Ballas sets record straight on Brendan Cole ‘feud’

Asked about the possibility of that happening on the UK show, she said: “I think it’s spectacular. I think things are changing. I couldn’t think of anything more exciting. I’m for it.”

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood has previously said the BBC should make the move and predicted it will happen soon.

He told ITV show Lorraine last year: “I think same-sex couples can exist!

“You only have to decide who’s going to go backwards really, that’s the only difference.”

When asked if he thinks viewers could see same-sex couples in the future, Craig added: “I hope so, I really hope so. In the world of competition there are same-sex couples…

“So there’s no reason why that can’t happen.”

Ex-contestant Judge Rinder branded questions about why he did not dance with a man on the 2016 series “absurd”.

“My sexuality, in terms of Strictly or whatever else I do in my life, ought to be as irrelevant as the length of my big toe,” he told Radio Times magazine.

Fellow contestant Rev Richard Coles has argued it made “no sense” that anyone would resist having dancers of the same gender taking to the floor together.

Meanwhile on Good Morning Britain, Shirley spoke about her criticism towards contestant Charlotte Hawkins, who she accidentally called Mollie on the show.

Charlotte Hawkins (Ian West/PA)
Charlotte Hawkins (Credit: Ian West/PA)

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“It was constructive criticism in order for her to get better the next week,” she said of her remarks to the Good Morning Britain host, who was partnered with the now-axed Brendan Cole.

“Unfortunately, a certain member took it the wrong way.”

Speaking about her alleged feud with Brendan, Shirley added: “There was no friction between Brendan and I … And how Brendan likes to conduct himself is his business.

“I tried to express that perhaps the choreography was a little difficult at the beginning because she had talent. But unfortunately [Brendan] took it the wrong way.”

Would you like to see same-sex couples on Strictly? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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