Dr Ranj Singh will appear on the new season of BBC show Strictly Come Dancing (Photo: @DrRanj | Twitter)
British broadcaster BBC has again reiterated its desire to only feature mixed-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing. The prime-time show was the precursor to Dancing With The Stars in the US. Syndicated versions now screen in many countries around the world.
The new season of the show is expected to start in September. A final date has not yet been announced. The names of some of the contestants have been revealed. These include Faye Tozer of Steps and YouTube star Joe Sugg.
Another confirmed contestant is Dr Ranj Singh, a doctor well known for his appearances on This Morning where he discusses medical issues.
✨ Dr Ranj Singh is the seventh celebrity contestant confirmed for #Strictly ✨ pic.twitter.com/u4SToRvCQ6
— BBC Strictly Press (@bbcstrictlyPR) August 16, 2018
Singh is also gay. He is not the first LGBTI contestant to feature on the show. Lesbian comedian Susan Calman previously faced criticism from some fans for being paired with a man. The Rev. Richard Coles and Robert Rinder, both gay, have also competed with female partners, despite indicating they would have been open to same-sex pairings.
‘I would love to dance with a same-sex partner’ on Strictly Come Dancing
Singh has expressed the same desire.
‘I would love to dance with a same-sex partner. I would value a time when same-sex couples could dance on shows like Strictly. It is incredibly important. We are making progress but I think there is still time to go.’
Awww… memories of #Pride in Liverpool recently with @Barclays…
Helping to show everyone that #LoveGoesTheDistance! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sN3sJNeUeY
— Ranj Singh (@DrRanj) August 9, 2018
However, the a BBC spokesperson clarified yesterday that this would not be happening.
‘Strictly has chosen the long-standing ballroom dancing format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples,’ they told the Mail on Sunday.
Earlier this year, Head judge on the BBC’s show, Shirley Ballas said: ‘I couldn’t think of anything more exciting,’ when asked about same-sex couples competing on the show.
Other versions of Dancing With The Stars have already featured same-sex pairings. Earlier this year, Italy’s Ballando con le Stelle featured a male couple. It united gay fashion stylist and TV celebrity Giovanni Ciacci with straight, male dance professional Raimondo Todaro.
The pair made it to the final of the show but ended up as second runners-up.
See also
Strictly dancer says he’d have ‘no problem’ with same-sex pairing
