Strictly Come Dancing: Craig Revel Horwood says same-sex couples should be introduced next year
'The Beeb just have to decide if it’s something they want to do'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Craig Revel Horwood has backed the notion that same-sex couples should be featured on Strictly Come Dancing.
It comes after contestant Susan Calman told the BBC she was offended by criticism aimed at her over her decision to join the dancing competition despite the fact it doesn't allow same-sex dance partners.
"I think politically, there's nothing more powerful than having an openly gay woman on the biggest show on television, whose wife's on the front row, doing what she wants to do," she stated, pointing out that many gay men, from Will Young to Judge Rinder, have participated on the show without the same level of criticism.
Fellow contestant Reverend Richard Coles, who is also gay, called on the show to allow LGBTQ couples the option to dance with same-sex couples, adding: "We've had a discussion about it, actually, and I don't know. It makes absolutely no sense that anybody resists the idea, in principle. It's just a question of doing it."
On launch night, Calman was paired with Kevin Clifton, while Coles was paired with newcomer Dianna Buswell. The BBC released a statement that read: "Strictly has chosen the traditional format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition."
Craig Revel Horwood and Lorraine Kelly discussed the topic on Monday as the Strictly judge commented, "‘I think a same sex couple can exist. You only have to decide who’s going to go backwards. In the world of competitions, there are same sex couples that do it as well so there is no reason that can’t happen. The Beeb just have to decide if it’s something they want to do."
"The tango was originally danced between two men anyway. The Argentine Tango between two men is powerful and explosive. And the same can happen between two women," he further pointed out.
He added that he personally believes, "it'll probably happen next year."
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments