Connect with us

Entertainment

Strictly Come Dancing ‘signs up first male star to compete in same-sex couple’ for 2021 series

Is the show set for its first ever same-sex male couple? (Picture: Lia Toby/Getty Images)

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 has reportedly signed up its first male star to join the show in a same-sex couple. 

The BBC are thought to be preparing to introduce an all-male pairing on the competition this year, following on from history makers Nicola Adams and Katya Jones in 2020.

As The Sun reports, comedian Alan Carr and Olympic diving gold medallist Tom Daley have both been approached by Strictly bosses.

Whoever is chosen, they’re expected to pair with Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima. Graziano has been a regular fixture on the programme since 2018.

A source said: ‘The bosses are thrilled that Strictly will be able to show its first all-male couple this year.

‘And they have their sights firmly on Graziano. There is no reason why a gay celebrity should automatically be paired with a gay dancer.’

Tom recently won gold at the Tokyo olympics (Picture: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Alan Carr has reportedly been approached by Strictly (Picture: Dave M. Benett/WireImage)

A BBC spokeswoman declined to comment when approached by Metro.co.uk.

Nicola and Katya made history by becoming the first same-sex couple to perform on Strictly last year.

There’s been a lot of speculation about Strictly Come Dancing 2021. We do know that it is almost returning to pre-pandemic normality – but Blackpool is still off the cards.

The BBC series was one of the few shows to still be able to go ahead during the pandemic, with celebrities and their pro dancer partners forming bubbles, although the series was cut short.

Graziano Di Prima joined the show back in 2018 (Picture: PA Wire/PA Images)

Nicola and Katya were partnered together last year (Picture: BBC)

It was previously confirmed that we’ve got four new pro dancers set to strut their stuff on the dance floor.

More: Strictly Come Dancing

Anton du Beke is also taking over from Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.

As always, the line-up this year is majorly under wraps, but reports have suggested producers have their eye on Gordon Ramsay’s daughter Matilda for a spot, after she blew up on TikTok.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this autumn.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.


MORE : Strictly Come Dancing 2021: All the rumoured contestants from Christine Quinn to Rio Ferdinand


MORE : Strictly Come Dancing: Blackpool week ‘axed’ again as bosses confirm crushing update for 2021 series