Strictly Come Dancing star: No same-sex dance couples because it’s ‘not a dating show’
Former Strictly star James Jordan has insisted that same-sex dance couples should not be permitted on the show.
The popular dance TV show has repeatedly ruled out rumoured changes to include same-sex dance couples.
Although same-sex dance couples are a growing part of the ballroom dance scene, Strictly continues to ban same-sex pairings citing the show’s “traditional format”.
The claim has been much ridiculed given the show includes annual Halloween dress-up episode and a movie-themed dress-up week that are hardly “traditional”.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood is among those who have called for changes to remove the gender rules.
But former Strictly pro James Jordan hit out at the calls this week.
Speaking to the Star, he said: “No, there definitely shouldn’t be same-sex couples on ‘Strictly’.
“Ballroom and Latin dance is about masculinity and femininity. It’s not about sexual orientation. It’s not a dating show.
“Why can’t a gay man dance with a woman?
“It’s actually insulting that you’re trying to change our profession with people saying same-sex couples should definitely be on there when it doesn’t need to be.”
Jordan said previously: “I do not agree with men dancing with men.
“Latin dancing is about a man and a woman – not two people of the same sex.
“Just because you’re gay doesn’t mean you can’t dance with a woman.
“My dance idol growing up was as camp as a butcher’s hook.
“He was totally gay. But he was the most masculine dancer you could ever meet. Why would a man want to dance with a man?”
TV host Paul O’Grady previously said he couldn’t see the change happening “in a million years”.
He 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.”
“I think they’re scared of offending people, particularly in the press.”
