Strictly Come Dancing won’t be including same-sex couples on this year’s show.
The new series of Strictly will hit screens next month on BBC One.
While the celebrities on this year’s line up have yet to be announced, the BBC say we won’t be seeing any same sex pairings in 2018.
A spokesperson said: “Strictly has chosen the traditional format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition.”
The statement follows former Strictly contestant Judge Rinder speaking out in favour of change.
He told the Daily Telegraph: “Look, it would be great if that happens because that visibility really does matter. Strictly is a big part of some people’s lives and for a young gay person going through , they could see that it can be fun, joyous and OK.
“People say society is post-gay, but there are places in London where it is still unsafe to hold the hand of your partner, so it could be game-changing.”
Earlier this year, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas also backed including same-sex couples on the show.
Shirley, who joined the show last year, said she’d “embrace” the change.
Shirley’s fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood previously predicted same sex couples would be seen on Strictly one day.
The Strictly star thinks it’s only a matter of time before the BBC relaxes its rules on the current mixed gender pairings.
“I think same-sex couples can exist – you only have to decide who’s going to go backwards really, don’t you? That’s the only difference.” Craig said.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to TV later this year.
Names linked to the show include radio DJ and TV presenter Vick Hope, TV personality Anneka Rice, football pundit Chris Kamara and Radio DJ Maya Jama.
More potential celebs include Hollyoaks star turned Oscar winner Rachel Shenton, The Chase’s Mark Labbett and former England footballer David James.
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