Strictly’s head judge backs Rev Cole’s call for same-sex couples on show

Shirley Ballas said she “couldn’t think of anything more exciting” than having a same-sex couple take part in the show.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ballas said: “They’re just about to have the final of the Italian version of Strictly. A same-sex couple, two men, made the final.”

Asked about the possibility of that happening on the UK show, she said: “I think it’s spectacular. I think things are changing. I couldn’t think of anything more exciting. I’m for it.”

Contestant from last year’s series, Rev Richard Coles, who is in a civil partnership with his partner, previously argued that it made “no sense” that anyone would resist having dancers of the same gender taking to the floor together.

He told Digital Spy during his time on the show that he had “a discussion” with bosses on the show about having same-sex couples taking part.

Reverend Richard Coles and Charlotte Hawkins at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2017 at Broadcasting House in London.

“It’s just a question of doing it. I think this year would be a good year to do it actually, with the 50th anniversary of sexual offences act (which decriminalised sex between two men aged more than 21),” he said.

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood has previously said the BBC should make the move and predicted it will happen soon.

However, previous…