BBC bosses are “open to” allowing same-sex couples on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has long campaigned for a change in the rules to allow contestants to be paired up with professional dancers of the same gender.
In a statement to The Independent, the BBC said: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same-sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.
“We are completely open to the prospect of including same-sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.”
A source also reportedly told The Mirror: “Bosses have said while there aren’t any same-sex pairings in this series, they’d definitely be open to it, given the right combination of celebs and dancers.
“The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain.”
The source added: “It could well be that we follow the Aussie model and go for a charismatic drag act, because Courtney Act proved hugely popular with traditionally conservative Australian viewers.
“And why not shake things up a bit over here? It’ll be fun. Exciting times are ahead.”
On the Australian version of Strictly this year, drag performer Courtney Act danced as a woman and earned a place in the final.
Former Strictly contestants Ranj Singh and Reverend Richard Coles have previously criticised the show’s rules against having same-sex couples.
