BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say show has 'taken a step back' after major change for 2024

-Credit: (Image: BBC)
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been left disappointed after the show has decided to not feature any same-sex couples for the first time in four years. The past four series have included at least one same-sex paring since professionals Johannes Radabe and Graziano di Prima made history by dancing together on the BBC One show in 2019.

The one-off performance by the professional duo sparked 189 complaints from viewers, which then judge Bruno Tonioli hailed as 'sad' at the time. In 2020, former 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-19.

In 2021, 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. Unlike last year, there are no same-sex couples even though Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin had a successful run and came in second place.

READ MORE: Former Hollyoaks star thanks fans for support after breast cancer diagnosis

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans distracted by Craig's new look as they compare him to celebrity

Fans have been unhappy with the BBC's decision, with one user taking to X, formerly Twitter, writing: "I really loved the launch show but I can't help feeling sad about the lack of same sex pairings, even in the group dances. It really does feel like Strictly has taken a step backwards and I do feel uncomfortable about it."

Somebody else mentioned: "On the whole, the pairings are fine, but having no same-sex pairings (even if it was because of a drop out) and benching Kai and Carlos feels like the producers pouring fuel on the fire."

Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin came in second place came in second place last year
Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin came in second place came in second place last year -Credit:BBC

A third tweeted: "Massively disappointed by the lack of a a same sex couple in this year’s Strictly. Inclusion and representation is so important." Another user agreed, writing: "Shame they've gone all the way back to the status quo with no same-sex coupling this year."

Celebrities taking part in the show include Olympic medallist and TV presenter Sam Quek, former footballer Paul Merson, TV presenter Nick Knowles and Gladiator Montell Douglas. Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, Eastenders actor Jamie Borthwick, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland and singer and actor Shayne Ward are also taking part in this year's series.

The final contestants completing the line up are TV personality and podcast host Pete Wicks, model and Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, BBC Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan, singer Toyah Willcox, opera singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, and comedian Chris McCausland.This year's competition will also see the return of pro dancer Amy Dowden. The Welsh ballroom dancer, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, was unable to take part in the previous series.

Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Johannes Radebe, Karen Hauer and Aljaz Skorjaned are among the other professional dancers taking part.

Strictly Come Dancing returns for the first live show next Saturday from 7pm.

READ NEXT: