BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans say show has 'taken a step back' after major change for 2024

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been left disappointed after the show has decided to not feature any same-sex couples for the first time in four years. The past four series have included at least one same-sex paring since professionals Johannes Radabe and Graziano di Prima made history by dancing together on the BBC One show in 2019.

The one-off performance by the professional duo sparked 189 complaints from viewers, which then judge Bruno Tonioli hailed as 'sad' at the time. In 2020, former boxer Nicola Adams and professional Katya Jones became the first same-sex coupling, but had to pull out four weeks in after the former tested positive for Covid-19.

In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite were the first same-sex pairing to reach the finals, with comedian Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer also paired up in 2022. Unlike last year, there are no same-sex couples even though Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin had a successful run and came in second place.

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Fans have been unhappy with the BBC's decision, with one user taking to X, formerly Twitter, writing: "I really loved the launch show but I can't help feeling sad about the lack of same sex pairings, even in the group dances. It really does feel like Strictly has taken a step backwards and I do feel uncomfortable about it."

Somebody else mentioned: "On the whole, the pairings are fine, but having no same-sex pairings (even if it was because of a drop out) and benching Kai and Carlos feels like the producers pouring fuel on the fire."

A third tweeted: "Massively disappointed