Original Strictly Come Dancing judge wants same-sex couples on the show
Janette Manrara and Aljaž Skorjanec on stage at the “Strictly Come Dancing” launch show at Television Centre on August 26, 2019. (Lia Toby/Getty)
Original Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has called for the show to allow same-sex partners to take part.
Phillips, who stepped down as a judge in 2008, said that same-sex couples are common in the contemporary dance world – but this isn’t reflected on mainstream television.
“It’s happening in the dance world. There are many same-sex couples in dance competitions, it just isn’t on television,” Phillips told RadioTimes.com.
“It’s common, it’s not even thought about. It’s part of dance, and it’s part of storytelling.”
Same-sex couples regular feature of dance competitions, says original judge.
The subject of same-sex couples has proved divisive among fans, producers and judges on Strictly Come Dancing.
However, in other countries, same-sex couples are already taking part.
It’s happening in the dance world. There are many same-sex couples in dance competitions.
Shane Jenek, who performs as drag queen Courtney Act, danced out of drag for one episode of Australia’s Dancing with the Stars – a historical first for the show.
And, in Germany, the show Let’s Dance has seen two women – singer Regina Luca and professional Kerstin Ott – dancing together.
Same-sex couples could feature on Strictly Come Dancing as soon as next year.
Strictly Come Dancing featured a same-sex dance routine last year. (BBC)
Still, it looks like same-sex couples could be allowed to compete on Strictly Come Dancing as soon as next year.
“Bosses have said while there aren’t any same-sex pairings in this series, they’d definitely be open to it, given the right combination of celebs and dancers,” a source told The Mirror.
“The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain.”
Strictly has featured same-sex dance numbers in the past, including incredible routine last year, which was described by fans as “sexy as hell”.
The current series of the show includes Drag Race’s Michelle Visage, BBC Radio 1 DJ Dev Griffin, Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing, viscountess Emma Weymouth and CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual.
A BBC spokesperson previously said: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same-sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.
“We are completely open to the prospect of including same-sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.”
