Graziano di Prima (L) and Johannes Radebe. (Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In a groundbreaking move, the first same-sex couple will take to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom next month, according to an alleged source.
Two of the show’s pro dancers will perform the first one-on-one same-sex dance next month, The Sun reported.
Italian Graziano Di Prima, 25, and newcomer Johannes Radebe, 32, will perform intimate whirls and twirls together on the results show on November 3.
The pair will don their dancing shoes to the beat of Emeli Sande’s tune, ‘Shine’, but the move comes at a glacial pace compared to Dancing On Ice, which revealed earlier this month its plans to do the very same.
Former Steps member Ian ‘H’ Watkins will have a same-sex dance partner on Dancing on Ice, who pitched the idea himself after he was cast in the 2020 series.
He’s now been paired with Dancing On Ice regular Matt Evers.
Strictly Come Dancing to have first same-sex pairing: ‘It’s a brave move for the Beeb and will break boundaries.’
A backstage Strictly source told The Sun: “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.”
Strictly judges have long campaigned for the move.
BBC bosses said earlier this year that they were “completely open” to the idea of having same-sex couples compete on Strictly Come Dancing, however they are yet to officially announce a same-sex partnership for the show.
The idea received some backlash with former head judge Len Goodman saying that he does not support same-sex couples competing on the show because he’s an “old traditionalist”.
But original Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips said she supported the plan, and called for the show to allow same-sex partners to take part.
“It’s happening in the dance world. There are many same-sex couples in dance competitions, it just isn’t on television,” Phillips told RadioTimes.
“It’s common, it’s not even thought about. It’s part of dance, and it’s part of storytelling.”
PinkNews have reached out to the BBC for comment.