Strictly 2017: Judge Rinder says same-sex partner idea is 'absurd'
'Some things ain't politics and Strictly is one of them'
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Your support makes all the difference.Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Judge Rinder has shunned the idea of same-sex couples on the competition stating it would “politicise” the show.
Speaking to Radio Times, Rinder said: “Would it be a big step forward for the LGBTQI community if there were same-sex couples on Strictly? Do me a favour. Some things ain't politics and Strictly is one of them.”
Following the launch show of this year's series, the debate over whether gay contestants should be coupled with a dancing partner of the same gender has intensified with comedian Susan Calman revealing she's been criticised for taking part due to its inability to already include them.
TV personality Rinder continued: “One of the first questions I was asked when I joined Strictly Come Dancing last year was, 'Ooh, how come you're dancing with a woman?' The answer was always, 'What a thoroughly absurd question!'
“My sexuality, in terms of Strictly or whatever else I do in my life, ought to be as irrelevant as the length of my big toe.”
“I soon realised that for [former dancing partner] Oksana Platero it was like playing tennis at Wimbledon. And just like in tennis, there are ballroom championships and rankings. Nobody would dream of asking gay players in the mixed doubles to be partnered with someone of the same sex.”
Rinder added: There are plenty of organisations making a real difference to the lives of gay people around the country that do need our help, so why undermine the wonder of Strictly by politicising it?“
Gay SNP politician Mhairi Black has supported the idea of same-sex couples, something that Craig Revel-Horwood has said will “probably” be introduced next year.
“It's about time big TV programmes are fully inclusive of LGBTI people. That includes having same-sex dance partners on Strictly - but the onus is on the programme-makers, not individual contestants."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this Saturday with the first of its live shows for 2017.
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