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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 :
“The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain.”
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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.
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