‘I’m an old traditionalist!’ Former Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman questions the BBC’s decision to allow same-sex couples
It was recently revealed that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly set to allow same-sex couples to compete in the next series in 2020.
But former head judge Len Goodman has questioned the BBC’s decision as he revealed it was ‘difficult to please everyone.’
The ballroom dancer, 75, added that he was an ‘old traditionalist’ who is used to traditional ballroom and Latin dancing.
Same-sex debate: Len Goodman has questioned the BBC’s decision as he revealed it was ‘difficult to please everyone’
He told The Sun: ‘I’ve judged what they used to call pink competitions with ladies dancing together, and a load of guys. They were of a very high standard, terrific dancing actually. Somehow whilst you were judging it, you didn’t even notice.’
Len added that while he doesn’t mind if a same-sex routine was done in a ‘tasteful’ way, ‘that doesn’t change the fact I’m an old traditionalist’.
He continued: ‘The thing is, it’s so difficult to please everyone. What I’m used to is traditional ballroom and Latin dancing.’
Going on to further explain his stance, he added that even when people did something ‘outlandish’ on Strictly, he didn’t like it.
Changes: The ballroom dancer, 75, added that he was an ‘old traditionalist’ who is used to traditional ballroom and Latin dancing
Len, who quit the dance show in 2016, went on to explain that while he can accept the changes coming to the show, some people will not.
He said: ‘I like it as it was, but everything moves on. If they do it, there’ll be people saying, “I’m not going to watch it any more.” And if they don’t do it, there’ll be people saying, “Well, you’re homophobic”. They can’t win.’
MailOnline have contacted representatives of Len for comment.
His words come as Strictly bosses gave the green light for same-sex couples to compete in the next 2020 series, after years of campaigning from viewers.
A BBC source is said to have claimed that a big campaign by fans and judge Craig Revel-Horwood, producers have relented after seeing how popular pairings have been on international versions of the show.
Comment: ‘I’ve judged what they used to call pink competitions with ladies dancing together, and a load of guys. They were of a very high standard, terrific dancing actually’
Opinion: Len added that while he doesn’t mind if a same-sex routine was done in a ‘tasteful’ way, ‘that doesn’t change the fact I’m an old traditionalist’ (pictured on the show in 2016)
The source explained to The Mirror that bosses have agreed to relax the rules on same-sex couples after seeing how well they were embraced overseas.
They said: ‘Bosses have said while there aren’t any same sex pairings in this series, they’d definitely be open to it, given the right combination of celebs and dancers. The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain.
‘Having previously thought it was unnecessary, it has dawned on people at the BBC that the original British show looks a bit backwards in not having embraced the notion of a same-sex couple.’
The source then added that the decision was also made following the success of drag act Courtney Act – real name Shane Jenek – when she was paired with male professional dancer Josh Keefe on Dancing With The Stars Australia.
Mixing it up: ‘I like it as it was, but everything moves on. If they do it, there’ll be people saying, “I’m not going to watch it any more”‘
‘It could well be that we follow the Aussie model and go for a charismatic drag act, because Courtney Act proved hugely popular with traditionally conservative Australian viewers.’
When contacted by MailOnline a representative for Strictly Come Dancing said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.
‘We are completely open to the prospect of including same sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.’
The decision comes after years of campaigning by fans for same-sex couples, which proved partially successful last year when the professional dancers delivered a powerful same-sex routine.
Amazing: It comes after viewers praised show bosses last year, when the professional dancers performed a same-sex routine
Wow! A source claimed that bosses decided to relax the rules on pairings, after seeing the success of drag act Courtney Act on Dancing With The Stars Australia
Several former contestants have also supported the idea, with Dr Ranj Singh saying last year: ‘I would love to dance with a same-sex partner.’
Reverend Richard Coles also said in 2017 that it made ‘no sense that anybody resists the idea.’
It comes after Courtney shared her disappointment that Strictly was yet to embrace same-sex couples in the UK.
Speaking at Edinburgh Fringe she said: ‘It shocks me that it hasn’t happened in the UK – the institution of ballroom dancing is being used as an excuse. They’re hiding behind that.
‘Maybe the audience skews older and they think the viewers wouldn’t like it. But it needs to happen – people will be surprised how positively it is received.’
Important: Judge Craig Revel Horwood has also long supported the idea of same-sex couples
Keen: While professional dancer AJ Pritchard said to the Daily Mail: ‘If they do decide to finally do same-sex partners on Strictly this year I 100% want to be the pro to do it’
Judge Craig has also campaigned for the pairings, saying to The Mirror: ‘I think more and more people want it – maybe the BBC will be brave enough one day to do it.’
While professional dancer AJ Pritchard said to the Daily Mail: ‘If they do decide to finally do same-sex partners on Strictly this year I 100% want to be the pro to do it. If it’s going to be anyone [in a same-sex pairing], I’d like it to be me. I’m 100% the pro to do it. I guess it all depends on who the celebrity contestants are this year.
‘So I think we have to wait and see; but if same-sex partnerships do happen it’s going to be so captivating. And I am very open to it. People enjoy seeing bodies moving, it doesn’t matter [about gender].’
In 2010 Israel became the first version of Strictly to introduce same-sex couples, when TV presenter Gili Shem Tov was partnered with professional dancer Dorit Milman.
Strictly Come Dancing returns Saturday 21st September on BBC One.
Sultry: In 2010 Israel became the first version of Strictly to introduce same-sex couples, when TV presenter Gili Shem Tov was partnered with professional dancer Dorit Milman
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