BBC Under Fire For Refusing Same-Sex Couple On Strictly

Strictly Come Dancing has been criticised for reportedly refusing to allow a potential contestant to compete in a same-sex couple.

Eggheads star CJ de Mooi has alleged that he was rejected from the show because he asked for a male dance partner.

He told Radio 1's Newsbeat: "I thought, as it's now 2015, it's time this format in Britain had a same-sex couple."

And he says he was further disappointed by the explanation for the refusal - claiming that the BBC reasoned that Strictly is a "family show".

"I think their announcement that they're a 'family show' and have no plans for same-sex couples seems that they're being a little bit narrow-minded and defining family in some very narrow terms," he commented.

"I think it's horrible to say 'your family has to be one man, one woman and 2.4 children' what a revolting thing to say in 2015.

"It's hardly conducive to a spirit of inclusivity is it? I should think quite a few gay people watch Strictly and work on Strictly."

The BBC responded with the following statement: "To avoid any misinterpretation, the reference to 'family show' - meaning all kinds of families - was only ever intended to describe the kind of show Strictly is. It was not to explain casting decisions.

"Strictly Come Dancing has chosen the traditional format of mixed-sex couples. At the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition."

The new series began last night on BBC One.