'Strictly Come Dancing' to feature same-sex dances for the first time

The new series of Strictly Come Dancing will feature the pro-dancers in same-sex routines for the first time in the show’s history.

The Sun reports that judges and contestants on the show have backed the idea.

According to insiders, Pasha Kovalev and AJ Pritchard are set to perform a dance together, while Karen Clifton is also being set up with another female dancer.

A source said: “Some of the dancers have been rehearsing some same sex pairings with plans to introduce them to a few of the professional numbers.

“There have been a lot of calls for same sex pro and celebrity pairings on the show so this is an ideal way to integrate into the format.”

Meanwhile, a BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: “This is not unprecedented, every week some of the world’s top choreographers create stunning routines that showcase the skills of our pro dancers.

“They can cast and direct the dances however they think best tells the story.”

The show’s head judge Shirley Ballas has already called for same sex couples on the show.

She told Loose Women: “I think everything in its good time. I wouldn’t be opposed to him dancing with another man.

“We have same sex competitions in my industry. It’s movement to music at the end of the day.

”When I’m teaching a lecture, I have the little girls do the boys part, the little boys do the girls part so they understand about lead and follow and what to expect.

“It’s two human beings that are moving to music at the end of the day, you’re judging the talent.”

TV doctor and contestant on the forthcoming series Dr Ranj Singh is also up for it.

“I would value a time when same sex couples could dance on shows like Strictly. It is incredibly important,” he told the Daily Mirror.

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