Yahoo News Rinder says same-sex couples would "undermine" Strictly
Judge Robert Rinder has once again weighed in on the Strictly Come Dancing same-sex couples debate, and it seems he's not a fan.
The TV lawman took part in last year's series, finishing in fifth place with partner Oksana Platero.
However, Rinder has now argued that the inclusion of same-sex couples would stir up "politics" in a show that is about "escapism".
"Here's the deal, folks," he wrote in the Radio Times. "I'm sorry, but some things ain't politics. And Strictly is one of them. The joy of the show is the pure escapism.
"Would it be a big step forward for the LGBTQI community if there were same-sex couples on Strictly? Do me a favour! It would not improve the life of anybody to see a Scottish comedian doing jazz hands with another almost-certainly-not-gay woman on TV.
"There are plenty of organisations making a real difference to the lives of gay people around the country that do need our help, so why undermine the wonder of Strictly by politicising it?"
However, in order to "satiate these Twitter trolls", he admitted he would be willing to "offer myself up to dance with a man on the Strictly Christmas special", adding: "I reckon that my tango with Anton Du Beke would be something to behold."
It follows comments he made on Lorraine yesterday (September 18), where he said: "Nobody was asking me to get married to my [Strictly] partner or engage in any sort of geography with her – that's probably the worst euphemism but you get the sense. They just wanted me to dance with her."
Over the past few weeks, some online critics have targeted openly gay contestant Susan Calman for dancing with partner Kevin Clifton this series.
Susan has been forced to hit back repeatedly and defend her decision, recently tweeting: "And for the (hopefully) last time. 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 also admitted to Digital Spy that she was hurt by the criticism, saying: "For the gay community, specifically, there will be a time for same-sex dancing. I think what annoyed me slightly is that I seem to be getting it in the neck.
"Will Young didn't get it. Judge Rinder didn't get it. And [this year's contestant] Richard Coles isn't getting it! It seems to me, as a woman, that he's not getting it the same way I am."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
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