Strictly to copy Dancing On Ice as pros perform first one-on-one same-sex dance next month
STRICTLY’S pro dancers will perform the show’s first one-on-one same-sex dance next month.
Italian Graziano Di Prima, 25, and South African newcomer Johannes Radebe, 32, will perform a romantic number together on the results show on Sunday, November 3.
They will perform to Emeli Sande track Shine in what will be a landmark moment for the BBC show.
It comes after ITV rival Dancing On Ice said it would be making TV history by pairing two male dancers.
The Sun revealed last week that pro skater Matt Evers and Steps star Ian “H” Watkins, both 43, will perform together on the upcoming series of the skating show.
A backstage Strictly source said: “It’s a brave move for the Beeb and will break boundaries but bosses are under a lot of pressure.
“There have been calls for same-sex pro and celebrity pairings. This is an ideal way to integrate that.
“It will hopefully pave the way for a same-sex couple next year. It’s a step in the right direction for making the show even more diverse.
“Graziano and Johannes are ideal for the dance as they’re the same height and good mates, having joined the show at the same time.
“They’re really excited to show fans what they’ve been working on.”
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Strictly has been under increasing pressure to include a same-sex couple for several years.
Earlier this week, judge Craig Revel Horwood, 54, applauded Dancing On Ice for making the first move and said he had been pleading with BBC producers to do it for five years.
Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas, 59, has also said that having same-sex couples dancing on the show would be “marvellous”.
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