PLANS for Strictly Come Dancing’s first ever same sex pairing could be ‘pushed back to next year’.
The hold-up is said to come as bosses deal with the struggle of enforcing social distancing measures on the BBC1 show.
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The popular competition which usually see celebrities paired with professionals of the opposite sex is set to return in autumn.
But enforcing social distancing will be a priority for those in charge, and as a result it could affect how contestants are able to interact.
An insider told The Mirror: “We could start with one scenario and then change it in line with restrictions being eased.
“All these plans are subject to change. It only takes one spike, and we’re back at square one.”
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The source went on to discuss how it was hoped those taking part in this year’s programme will be able to “bubble up”, while taking weekly COVID-19 tests and having their temperature checked on daily basis.
“At the moment only singles can bubble with another household but by September it’s very likely to have been extended to couples and even whole households.
“The celebs and their pros will exclusively bubble together – allowing them to dance all day and still go home to their loved ones in the evening,” they explained.
Towards the end of July, all of the professional dancers will start to isolate together in the same hotel for 14 days to form a single household.
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Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be expected to social distance whilst filming.
A BBC spokesman told The Mirror: “The entire Strictly family are working hard to ensure everyone can enjoy some much needed sparkle later this year.”
Earlier this month The Sun revealed show bosses were planning to feature an all-female couple, with the likes of Jessie J, Gillian Anderson and presenter Steph McGovern on their hit list.
Previous reports suggested Strictly’s gay professional Johannes Radebe would be teamed up with a male star.
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But bosses are said to have decided that would be too “predictable” after ITV’s skating show Dancing On Ice paired singer Ian “H” Watkins with pro Matt Evers earlier this year.
Last year, Strictly did pair a same-sex couple in the group routine — and received 189 complaints.
Johannes and fellow pro Graziano di Prima dancing together during a performance by singer Emeli Sandé was deemed “offensive” by some.
The BBC said it was “an inclusive show” and proud of the dance.
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