Strictly's Len Goodman casts doubt on BBC's same-sex partners decision

Strictly Come Dancing legend Len Goodman has had his say on the BBC's decision to allow same-sex couples to compete in the next series of the popular dancing show.

The 75 year-old was head judge for 12 years until 2016, and cited 'tradition' as a reason not to be entirely on board with Strictly bosses' attempts to bring the show into the modern age.

"I've judged what they used to call pink competitions with ladies dancing together, and a load of guys," he said.

"They were of a very high standard, terrific dancing actually. Somehow whilst you were judging it, you didn't even notice.

"It wasn't that one of the men was dressed in a frock or anything, it was done in a very tasteful way. So if it's done in that way I think it would be OK.

"But that doesn't change the fact that I'm an old traditionalist."

Len is 'an old traditionalist' (PA)

Len explained that he has a very classic taste when it comes to dance.

He continued: "The thing is, it's so difficult to please everyone. What I'm used to is traditional ballroom and Latin dancing.

"When I was judging on Strictly, if somebody did some outlandish movement I didn't like it.

"I like it as it was, but everything moves on. If they do it, there'll be people saying, 'I'm not going to watch it any more.'"

He was head judge for 12 years (PA)

Despite his love of tradition, Len also has sympathy for the BBC's position.

He elaborated: "...if they don't do it, there'll be people saying, 'Well, you're homophobic.' They can't win."

It's not just dancing Len's keen on - he loves a game of golf.

He took part in the Tony Hadley Golf Classic for Action Medical Research for Children. He was asked at the event if he sympathised with older viewers who might be resistant to the new format.

"Yes," he bluntly replied, "'cos I'm one of those older people myself."

Strictly Come Dancing aired its first show on Saturday.

With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman returning to presenting duties, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Horwood return to the judges' table alongside head judge Shirley Ballas and newcomer Motsi Mabuse .

*Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday night on BBC1