Dr Ranj: Give same sex dancers a cha chance
TV medic urges show bosses to let him create Strictly history
THIS Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh wants to be the first Strictly Come Dancing star to be in a same sex couple on the dance floor.
The prospect of two men or two women together on the hit BBC1 show has been debated for years.
Now Ranj, 39, named as a contestant this week, said: “I would love to dance with a same sex partner.
“I would value a time when same sex couples could dance on shows like Strictly. It is incredibly important.”
The TV medic, who is gay, added: “We are making progress but there is still some way to go. It does take time, though we are heading in the right direction.”
Ranj, speaking at the Attitude 300 exhibition at London’s Hospital Club, added: “I love dancing as a social thing.
“I have been brought up in an Indian family so we dance at everything. I would love it if they did a Bollywood week. I would be in my element.
“It is a great Strictly line-up. Everyone wants to do the show, it is the nation’s favourite, so I am pinching myself.”
Three new contestants – former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, newsreader Kate Silverton and stand-up comedian Seann Walsh – were added yesterday to those already announced for Series 16, set next month.
Ashley, 36, said: “I am beyond grateful to be part of the Strictly family.
“I’m going to put my heart and soul into this adventure. Bring on the sequins, glitz and glamour.”
Kate, 48, anchor for BBC to start News, said: “I’m excited to be shifting focus from the headlines to my hemlines. “I suspect the only serious element of my life over the coming months will be training hard and figuring out the foxtrot, but I’m looking forward to the fun, laughter and the challenges.” Seann, 32, said: “Having seen videos of me dancing on friends’ phones from the night before, it’s safe to say I’m petrified.” Other celebs confirmed include presenter Stacey Dooley, cricketer Graeme Swann, DJ Vick Hope, vlogger Joe Sugg, actor Danny Johnjules, singer Faye Tozer and TV host Katie Piper.
The show’s co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are returning, along with the judges Shirley Ballas, Bruno Tonioli, Dame Darcey Bussell and Craig Revel Horwood. Ashley Roberts