The new series of Strictly will not feature any same-sex couples for the first time in five years, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Producers are believed to have made the decision earlier this month, with some insiders suggesting it was a way of returning the hit BBC1 show to its traditional roots following a series of high-profile scandals.
A source said that while the broadcaster wants to be seen as “inclusive and progressive,” executives are aware that “not everyone is going to like” same-sex couples.
Her decision comes despite the men’s duo of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin reaching the final last year.
Professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima made history when they became the first same-sex couple to dance together on the show in 2019.
The unique performance drew 189 complaints, but executives said the contestants’ gender “should have no bearing” on their dancing.
Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 show will be the first in five years to not feature a same-sex couple. Pictured: last year’s finalists Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin
Nicola Adams (right) and Katya Jones (left) were the first same-sex couple to compete on the show in 2020, but had to pull out in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.
In 2020, former boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones became the first same-sex couple to compete, but had to withdraw in week four after Jones tested positive for Covid.
In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the final.
And the following year, comedian Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer, but was eliminated in the fifth week.
Strictly returns next month for what should have been a glorious 20th anniversary series, until a series of controversies rocked the show.
Pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for allegedly kicking his partner Zara McDermott during last year’s series, although the dancer is said to be preparing an unfair dismissal claim against the BBC.
The broadcaster is also investigating allegations that Giovanni Pernice bullied actress Amanda Abbington last year, something the dancer denies.
The controversies are believed to have led to fewer women wanting to take part this year, with only six of the 15 celebrity contestants being women.
Johannes Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the final in 2021
Comedian Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer in 2022. The couple was eliminated in week five.
These include Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who is trained in commercial dance, singer Toyah Willcox and actress Sarah Hadland.
Male contestants include DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and former footballer Paul Merson.
Despite the scandals, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘I think the show can move on from what’s happened.
“It has a certain verve to it and people would be very sad if it meant the show wasn’t going on.”