Strictly Come Dancing will feature no same-sex couple in its 2024 line up for the first time in five years – with insiders suggesting bosses want to return BBC show to its ‘traditional roots’ following string of scandals
The Mail on Sunday has revealed that the new series of Strictly will feature no gay couples for the first time in five years.
Producers reportedly made the decision earlier this month, with some insiders suggesting it was a way to return the popular BBC1 show to its traditional roots after a string of high-profile scandals.
According to a source, the broadcaster wants to be seen as “inclusive and progressive”, but executives realise that not everyone will like homosexual relationships.
Their decision comes despite the all-male duo of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin reaching the final last year.
Professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima made history when they became the first gay couple to dance together on the show in 2019.
There were 189 complaints about the one-off performance, but according to the management, the gender of the candidates should have ‘no influence’ on their dancing skills.
The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing line-up is the first in five years not to feature a gay couple. Pictured: last year’s finalists Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Nicola Adams (right) and Katya Jones (left) were the first same-sex couple to join the show in 2020, but were forced to withdraw in week four after Ms Jones tested positive for Covid
In 2020, former boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones became the first gay couple to compete in the competition. They were forced to withdraw in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.
In 2021, Radebe and chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the final.
And the following year, comedian Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer, but they were eliminated in week five.
Strictly returns next month for what was supposed to be a glorious 20th anniversary series, until the series was rocked by a number of controversies.
Pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for allegedly kicking his partner Zara McDermott during the series last year. However, the dancer is reportedly preparing a lawsuit for unfair dismissal against the BBC.
The broadcaster is also investigating claims that Giovanni Pernice bullied actress Amanda Abbington last year, which the dancer denies.
It is thought that the controversies have led to fewer women taking part this year, with only six of the 15 celebrity contestants being women.
Johannes Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first gay duo to reach the final in 2021
Comedian Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer in 2022. The couple was eliminated in week five
They include Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who trained as a commercial dancer, singer Toyah Willcox and actress Sarah Hadland.
Male contestants include DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and former footballer Paul Merson.
Despite the scandals, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘I think the show can rise above anything.
‘There’s a certain tension and people would be very disappointed if the show didn’t go ahead because of this.’