Olly Alexander says he’d go on Strictly – but only if he can dance with a man
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Olly Alexander of Years & Years performs at the ERDEM X H&M Exclusive Event at H&M Flagship Fifth Avenue Store on October 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for H&M)
Years & Years’ frontman Olly Alexander has said he’d be up for being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, but only if he is allowed to dance with a man.
Speaking on the Channel 4 show Sunday Brunch on August 19, Alexander reportedly said: “I’d want a guy partner. I need a big man to spin me around.”
Asked if he would consider being a contestant if he could have a male partner, he responded: “Well, why not?”
Alexander’s comments come after Strictly Come Dancing bosses again ruled out permitting same-sex dance couples to compete on the show, which is set to start in September.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said in a statement released on August 6 : “Strictly has chosen the traditional format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples.”
On Friday, openly gay Ranj Singh, a doctor and TV personality, who is set to star on the show when it begins again next month, also said he would like to dance with a man.
Speaking to the Mirror, he said: “I would love to dance with a same sex partner. I would value a time when same sex couples could dance on shows like Strictly.
“It is incredibly important. We are making progress but I think there is still some way to go.”
And, on Saturday, it was reported that double Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, who competed on Strictly in 2017, told the Press Association “I would be more than happy for it [same-sex couples appearing on the show]. I think it’s something that would be really cool to see.”
New head judge Shirley Ballas has also voiced her support for same-sex couples appearing on the show.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain in May, Ballas said: “I think things are changing, and I couldn’t think of anything more exciting. I’m for it!”
Head Judge Shirley Ballas attends the ‘Strictly Come Dancing 2017’ red carpet launch. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty)
Judge Craig Revel Horwood has long been a supporter of permitting same-sex dance couples on the show.
He said 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.
“I really hope [it happens]. In the world of competition there are same-sex couples … so there’s no reason why that can’t happen.”
Fellow judge Bruno Toniloi added: ”I think you’d have to find the right contestants, but absolutely. Two girls, two boys, why not? I think it would be fantastic.”
Strictly Come Dancing will return to screens this September. (Christopher Furlong/Getty)
However former Strictly star James Jordan has claimed that it would be “wrong” to feature same-sex dance couples on the show.
“I have nothing against same-sex couples, if they want to go and do their own competitions.
“But ballroom and Latin dancing is about a man dancing with a woman – that’s fact.
Dancing with the Stars featured a same-sex dance routine as part of a one-off performance in 2016.
And, in Italy, celebrity Giovanni Ciacci made it to the final of Ballando con le stelle alongside male dancer Raimondo Todaro.
