BBC Strictly Come Dancing set to make change ahead of 2024 series

The forthcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing looks set to be different to recent years. According to The Mail on Sunday, it will be the first series in half a decade not to feature a same-sex couple.

It's understood that the decision was made by producers earlier this month, with some insiders hinting it was an attempt to bring the popular BBC1 show back to its traditional roots. A source told the publication that while the broadcaster aims to be seen as 'inclusive and progressive', executives are aware that 'not everyone is going to like' same-sex pairings.

This move comes despite the all-male duo of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin making it to the final last year. Professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima made history when they became the first same-sex couple to dance together on the show in 2019.

This one-off performance attracted 189 complaints, but executives stated that the gender of contestants should have 'no bearing' on their dancing. In 2020, ex-boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones became the first same-sex couple to compete but had to withdraw in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.

In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the finals. The subsequent year saw comedian Jayde Adams paired with Karen Hauer, but they were sent packing in week five, reports Birmingham Live.

Strictly is set to return next month on September 14 for its 20th anniversary series.