Same-sex step in the right direction for next year’s Strictly

IT’S too late for TV doctor Ranj Singh but it looks like same-sex couples will be allowed on Strictly Come Dancing next year.

Dr Ranj, who partnered Janette Manrara in 2018, said he would “love to dance” with a man.

BBC bosses said they had “no plans” to change the traditional male-female pairings. But last night an insider said they now realised the show was starting to “look a bit backwards” after other nations embraced the idea.

In Australia drag star Courtney Act – entertainer Shane Jenek – got to this year’s DancingWithThe Stars final with a man. Israel’s version also featured a same-sex couple.

The BBC source said: “Bosses have said while there aren’t pairings this series they’d be open to it, given the right celebs and dancers.

“The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain. It could well be that we follow the Aussie model and go for a charismatic drag act because Courtney proved hugely popular with viewers. Why not shake things up a bit here? It’ll be fun.”

The U-turn will delight Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, who last year urged the Beeb to “be brave enough” to change. Earlier this month, Courtney said “it shocks me” that same-sex couples were barred from the British show.

He added: “People will be surprised how positively it is received.”

The new series starts of Strictly starts on BBC1 next Saturday, September 7.