Out comic Susan Calman announced for Strictly Come Dancing
Out comedian Susan Calman has signed up to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
The out comic is the latest figure to sign up to the BBC celebrity dance contest, which is entering its 15th season.
Calman is the host of BBC One gameshow The Boss and mystery show Armchair Detectives, as well as hosting CBBC quiz show Top Class.
The comic is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4, appearing on The News Quiz, The Unbelievable Truth, Now Show, Dilemma, I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and So Wrong It’s Right.
She said: “Being on Strictly is a dream come true.
“Finally I can reveal all the moves I’ve been practising in my kitchen to the nation.
“I am an enthusiastic home dancer and now on Saturday nights I’ll be dancing in other people’s homes in a (hopefully) entertaining way.
“I am terrified but excited to start my Strictly journey.”
Calman apparently confirmed she would not have a same-sex dance partner on the show.
She said: “I haven’t worn heels or a dress since I was 17. Haven’t danced with a man in over a decade. Strictly, I’m ready. #WhoLeads?#CalmanCanCanCan”
Also in the line-up for Strictly this year is popular vicar Reverend Richard Coles.
A former popstar who was in the Communards, Coles became a priest in the early 2000s. A regular in the media, Coles is openly gay and in a long-term celibate relationship.
Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and Darcey Bussell will return as judges, with Shirley Ballas replacing Len Goodman.
Tess Daley and Claudia Winkleman return as hosts, and Zoe Ball will host spinoff show Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Paul O’Grady recently claimed that the BBC are “too scared of offending people” to allow same-sex dance couples to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.
The popular reality dance contest show has repeatedly ruled out rumoured changes to include same-sex couples.
Strictly has featured same-sex dance segments in group routines, but only opposite-sex couples are permitted in the main competition element of the show.
O’Grady said: “I wonder if it wouldn’t happen on the BBC. The BBC are doing this huge series celebrating gay culture, but I can’t see 7 O’Clock on BBC One, on Strictly, two couples of the same sex doing the paso doble across the dance floor. I could never see that happen in a million years.”
