Why Strictly Won’t Be Featuring Same-Sex Dancing Couples Any Time Soon

Eggheads star CJ de Mooi says he was told Strictly is a "family show"

The BBC is under fire after an alleged statement that Strictly Come Dancing will not feature same-sex couples as it’s a “family show”.

Eggheads genius CJ de Mooi claims that he was in the running to appear on the latest series of the hugely successful dance reality show but was rejected after he asked to be paired with a male partner.

‘I thought, as it's now 2015, it's time this format in Britain had a same-sex couple,’ the openly gay TV personality told Radio 1’s Newsbeat.

However his request was denied as he was told that the Strictly is a “family show”:

‘I think their announcement that they're a "family show" and have no plans for same-sex couples seems that they're being a little bit narrow-minded and defining family in some very narrow terms.

‘I think it's horrible to say “your family has to be one man, one woman and 2.4 children”. What a revolting thing to say in 2015.

‘It's hardly conducive to a spirit of inclusivity, is it? I should think quite a few gay people watch Strictly and work on Strictly.’

A spokesperson for the BBC has been quick to respond that the term “family show” was meant to refer to they type of show Strictly is, not its casting decisions.

‘To avoid any misinterpretation, the reference to 'family show' - meaning all kinds of families - was only ever intended to describe the kind of show Strictly is. It was not to explain casting decisions,’ according to the source.

‘Strictly Come Dancing has chosen the traditional format of mixed-sex couples. At the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition.’

Many people have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment at the BBC’s choice of words, including young adult author Patrick Ness:

Should the BBC apologise for the statement? Is it time for same-sex couples on Strictly?