Strictly Come Dancing 2015: Gleb Savchenko calls for the show to ‘embrace diversity’ and include same sex couples

Speaking out: Gleb Savchenko wants Strictly to include same sex couples
BBC/Ray Burmiston/Matt Burlem
Jennifer Ruby17 December 2015
The Weekender

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Gleb Savchenko has called for the show to include same sex couples.

The dancer, who was partnered with Anita Rani in this year’s competition, has urged BBC producers to ‘embrace diversity’ during the next series.

Savchenko, 32, who is married to fellow dancer Elena Samodanova , told GuysLikeU:

“I think this would be great idea. I believe the show should embrace diversity. Dance is for everyone.

Almost there: Anita Rani has left Strictly Come Dancing in the semi-finals
BBC/Guy Levy

“If it happened, I would look forward to do some very exciting and very different choreography!”

The dancer’s comments come after show producers announced that they wouldn’t be introducing same sex couples in a statement earlier this year.

“Strictly is a family show and we have chosen the traditional format of mixed-sex couples,” it read.

Former Strictly professional James Jordan recently said that it would be ‘a joke’ to include same sex partners.

Strictly Come Dancing 2015: Full line-up revealed

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Speaking on This Morning, he said: “‘If they [had same-sex partners], they would be a joke couple.

“People wouldn’t take it seriously – it would be comedy value. I don’t think it would be two men dancing a sexy Rumba together.”

He added: “I’m not saying I don’t want people to do it. There are same sex competitions which is fantastic, but on Strictly let’s keep it traditional.

“Why do we have to change something just to tick a box? I think there are a lot of people in this country who would agree with me and don’t want to see same-sex couples.”

The Strictly Come Dancing final is on Saturday night on BBC One.

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