Judge Rinder rejects call for same-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing: ‘Some things ain’t politics’

Judge Rinder has said that there shouldn’t be same-sex dance couples on Strictly Come Dancing as it will make the show too “political.”

The former contestant rejected calls to mix up the gender pairings on the BBC show, denying that it would be a “step forward” for the LGBT community.

“Would it be a big step forward for the LGBTQI community if there were same-sex couples on Strictly? Do me a favour," he told the Radio Times.

"Some things ain't politics and Strictly is one of them."

The criminal barrister and TV star, who married long-term partner Seth Cummings in 2013, said he had no intention of dancing with a man when he competed in last year’s show.

“There will be a time for same-sex dancing,” he said. “I think what annoyed me slightly is that I seem to be getting it in the neck.”

"One of the first questions I was asked when I joined Strictly Come Dancing last year was, 'Ooh, how come you're dancing with a woman?”

“The answer was always, 'What a thoroughly absurd question!' My sexuality, in terms of Strictly or whatever else I do in my life, ought to be as irrelevant as the length of my big toe.”

This year’s contestant Susan Calman, who is married to a woman, said she has faced criticism for having a male dance partner.

“I wanted to dance with a man. I am not being held hostage by the BBC. I'm still well gay and proud of it,” she said.

Judge Craig Revel Horwood recently said that there would “probably” be same sex couples on the show in the future.