The brand new sequence of Strictly will function no same-sex couple for the primary time in 5 years, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Producers took the choice earlier this month, it’s believed, with some insiders suggesting it was a approach of returning the hit BBC1 present to its conventional roots following a sequence of high-profile scandals.
One supply stated that whereas the broadcaster desires to be seen as ‘inclusive and progressive’ executives are conscious that ‘not everybody goes to love’ same-sex pairings.
Their resolution comes regardless of the all-male duo of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin making it to the ultimate final yr.
Professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima made historical past once they turned the primary same-sex couple to bop collectively on the present in 2019.
The one-off efficiency attracted 189 complaints, however executives stated the gender of contestants ought to have ‘no bearing’ on their dancing.
The 2024 Strictly Come Dancing line up would be the first in 5 years to not function a same-sex couple. Pictured: Final yr’s finalists Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Nicola Adams (proper) and Katya Jones (left) had been the primary same-sex couple to compete on the present in 2020, however needed to pull out in week 4 after Ms Jones examined constructive for Covid
In 2020, ex-boxer Nicola Adams {and professional} dancer Katya Jones turned the primary same-sex couple to compete, however needed to pull out in week 4 after Ms Jones examined constructive for Covid.
In 2021, Radebe and superstar chef John Whaite turned the primary same-sex duo to succeed in the finals.
And the next yr, comic Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer, however had been eradicated in week 5.
Strictly returns subsequent month for what ought to have been an excellent twentieth anniversary sequence, till various controversies rocked the present.
Professional Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for allegedly kicking his associate Zara McDermott throughout final yr’s sequence, though the dancer is alleged to be getting ready an unfair dismissal case towards the BBC.
The broadcaster can also be investigating claims Giovanni Pernice bullied actress Amanda Abbington final yr, which the dancer denies.
It’s thought the controversies have led to fewer girls wanting to participate this yr, with simply six of the 15 superstar contestants feminine.
Johannes Radebe and superstar chef John Whaite turned the primary same-sex duo to succeed in the ultimate in 2021
Comic Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer in 2022. The couple had been eradicated in week 5
They embody Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who’s educated in industrial dance, singer Toyah Willcox and actress Sarah Hadland.
Male contestants embody DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and ex-footballer Paul Merson.
Regardless of the scandals, decide Craig Revel Horwood stated: ‘I believe the present can rise above what has occurred.
‘It has a sure verve and folks could be so unhappy if this was to imply the present did not proceed.’
