Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is less than two weeks away but this year, fans of the BBC show could see a noticeable change for the first time in four years.
Producers of the dancing competition are said to have "dropped" same-sex couples which have been a part of the show’s format since 2020, it has been reported.
The decision which was said to be made last month comes as insiders have suggested it was a way of returning Strictly to its “traditional roots” following the latest allegations around the treatment of contestants on the flagship programme.
Although a source told the Daily Mail that the broadcaster does want to be seen as “inclusive and progressive”.
Professional dancer Katya Jones and ex-boxer and Olympic champion Nicola Adams became the first same-sex couple to compete on Strictly in 2020.
However, the pair had to pull out in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.
Then in 2021, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and Bake Off star John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the final in second place.
Professional dancer Karen Hauer was paired with comedian Jayde Adams in 2022 but they were voted off the show in week five.
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Meanwhile, the most recent series at the end of 2023 saw West End favourite Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin claim second place, after just missing out on the glitterball trophy.
Last year, it was won by Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach and her professional dance partner Vito Coppola.
Newsquest has contacted the BBC for comment.
Recommended reading:
- Everything to know about Strictly 2024 as new series celebrates 20th anniversary
- BBC confirms Strictly Come Dancing 2024 start date - not long to go
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Who is in Strictly 2024? Full celebrity line-up
From comedians to boy band stars, this is who will be taking to the Strictly dance floor this year:
- Chris McCausland
- JB Gill
- Wynne Evans
- Toyah Willcox
- Dr Punam Krishan
- Tasha Ghouri
- Pete Wicks
- Shayne Ward
- Sarah Hadland
- Tom Dean
- Jamie Borthwick
- Montell Douglas
- Nick Knowles
- Paul Merson
- Sam Quek
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 14.
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