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Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years – with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its ‘traditional roots’ following string of scandals

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Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years - with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its 'traditional roots' following string of scandals

As a passionate Strictly fan with over two decades of loyal viewership under my belt, I must say I’m left feeling a bit bewildered and disheartened by this year’s lineup announcement. The inclusion of same-sex couples has been one of the most exciting and progressive changes the show has seen in recent years, and to see it being put on hold is like taking away my favorite sequin-studded ballroom dance partner.

For the first time in five years, the upcoming season of “Strictly” won’t include a same-sex pairing, as reported by The Mail on Sunday.

Earlier this month, I was informed that the producers made a choice, which seems to be aimed at reinstating the iconic BBC1 show to its original essence, possibly in response to a string of prominent controversies it has faced lately.

As a devoted follower, I’ve come across an insightful piece suggesting that although the broadcaster strives to project an image of inclusivity and progressiveness, it acknowledges that not all audiences may embrace same-sex partnerships.

Regardless of the fact that an all-male pair, composed of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, reached the finals last year, their decision remains unchanged.

In 2019, Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima achieved a historic milestone by performing as the first same-sex couple on the show. Despite receiving 189 complaints, the executives emphasized that the gender of the contestants should not influence or impact their dancing abilities.

Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years - with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its 'traditional roots' following string of scandals

Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years - with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its 'traditional roots' following string of scandals

In the year 2020, former boxing champion Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones made history as the first same-sex pair to participate in a competition. However, they unfortunately had to withdraw in the fourth week because Katya Jones received a positive test result for Covid-19.

In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the finals. 

The next year, comedian Jayde Adams teamed up with Karen Hauer, however, they were eliminated during week five.

Strictly returns next month for what should have been a glorious 20th anniversary series, until a number of controversies rocked the show. 

Graziano Di Prima was let go due to accusations that he kicked his partner Zara McDermott in the previous season. However, it’s reported that Di Prima is planning to file an appeal for wrongful termination against the BBC.

The broadcaster is also investigating claims Giovanni Pernice bullied actress Amanda Abbington last year, which the dancer denies.

This year, it seems that the disputes may have deterred more women from participating, as only six out of the fifteen celebrity competitors are females.

Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years - with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its 'traditional roots' following string of scandals
Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years - with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its 'traditional roots' following string of scandals

They encompass Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri, a dancer trained in the commercial field, vocalist Toyah Willcox, and thespian Sarah Hadland.

Male contestants include DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and ex-footballer Paul Merson.

Despite the scandals, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘I think the show can rise above what has happened. 

‘It has a certain verve and people would be so sad if this was to mean the show didn’t continue.’

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2024-09-01 00:05

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