Same-sex Strictly? Not a cha-cha-chance, says BBC

STRICTLY contestant Dr Ranj Singh’s plea to dance with a man on the show has been shot down by the BBC. The gay TV doctor, left, called on BBC1 bosses to partner him with a male professional dancer rather than a woman, saying it was an ‘incredibly important’ issue. However, the Corporation has insisted it won’t budge on its traditional set up – despite several calls for the change to reflect modern society. A spokesperson told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Strictly has chosen the longstanding ballroom dancing format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce samesex couples.’

Dr Ranj, 39 – resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning – 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. We are making progress but I think there is still time to go.’

Pressure is building on the BBC to allow same-sex couples to appear on the show. Head judge Shirley Ballas said earlier this year: ‘I couldn’t think of anything more exciting.’

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood also pointed out that ‘the tango was originally danced between two men anyway’. Reverend Richard Coles, a gay contestant from last year’s series, said it made ‘no sense’ that anyone would resist having dancers of the same gender taking to the floor. Professional dancer Kevin Clifton has also said he would have ‘no problem’ dancing with a man on the show.

Gay TV star Robert Rinder, who starred on Strictly in 2016, has called for change too. He said: ‘It would be great if it happens because visibility really does matter.’