Strictly makes big change as ‘same-sex couples scrapped for first time in 4 years’

Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex celebrity and professional pairings this year, it has been reported.

The past four series have included at least one same-sex pairing since professionals Johannes Radabe and Graziano di Prima made history by dancing together on the BBC One show in 2019.

However, the one-off performance sparked 189 viewer complaints – a statistic judge Bruno Tonioli dubbed ‘sad’ at the time, as many jumped to the defence of the groundbreaking moment.

In 2020 ex-boxer Nicola Adams and professional Katya Jones became the first same-sex coupling, but had to pull out four weeks in after the former tested positive for Covid.

A year later Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite were the first same-sex pairing to reach the finals, with comedian Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer also paired up in 2022.

Last year all-male duo Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin made it to the final, but this year the Mail on Sunday reports there will be no same-sex couples.

A source told the publication that producers took the decision a month ago.

The outlet’s source went on to claim that while the BBC ‘wants to be seen as inclusive and progressive’ they reasoned ‘not everyone is going to like’ same-sex pairings

This comes after a string of controversies for the hit ballroom dancing show, with a number of their professional dancers being accused of mistreating celebrities in the rehearsal room.

Last year, Di Prima, 30, was partnered up with former Love Island star Zara McDermott, 27, becoming the fifth couple to be eliminated.

Months later, it was claimed that there were ‘physical incidents’ between the pair, including allegations that he ‘kicked and hit’ her.

McDermott said in a statement posted on Instagram that there are ‘videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch’, while Di Prima stated: ‘I deeply regret the actions that led to my departure from Strictly.’

Talking to the Daily Mail, the Italian said that he’s ‘not a monster’ and ‘not an abusive man’, adding: ‘I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor.’

Meanwhile, Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 50, quit Strictly last year while partnered up with Giovanni Pernice citing ‘medical reasons’.

Afterwards Amanda alleged her 33-year-old dance partner was ‘nasty’ and ‘awful’ as she accused Pernice of ‘bullying’ her.

The national broadcaster then began an investigation into Giovanni, who has strenuously denied the allegations and has previously said he looks forward to clearing his name.

She also alleged that Giovanni exhibited ‘humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature.’

A representative for Giovanni told Metro.co.uk at the time: ‘Giovanni refutes any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour, and having provided the BBC with his evidence, is confident that the review will prove this.

‘We would urge people to wait for the review’s conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.’

Up Next

BBC has now introduced new welfare measures for the 2024 series of Strictly, including the presence of a chaperone in each training session.

Towie’s Pete Wicks and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland will be competing on the new series and took to social media teasing the start date, which will be September 14.

They will go up against comedian Chris McCausland, Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans and JLS singer JB Gill while competing for the Glitterball Trophy.

Also joining them on the dancefloor will be DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, former footballer Paul Merson, 80s music icon Toyah Willcox, BBC Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan and former England hockey player Sam Quek MBE.

Gladiators athlete Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and The X Factor winner Shayne Ward will also be appearing on our TV screens underneath the glitterball in a matter of weeks.

Strictly Come Dancing starts on Saturday, September 14 on BBC. Metro.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for comment.

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