Craig Revel Horwood has backed the notion that same-sex couples should be featured on Strictly Come Dancing.

It comes after contestant Susan Calman told the BBC she was offended by criticism aimed at her over her decision to join the dancing competition despite the fact it doesn't allow same-sex dance partners.

"I think politically, there's nothing more powerful than having an openly gay woman on the biggest show on television, whose wife's on the front row, doing what she wants to do," she stated, pointing out that many gay men, from Will Young to Judge Rinder, have participated on the show without the same level of criticism.

Fellow contestant Reverend Richard Coles, who is also gay, called on the show to allow LGBTQ couples the option to dance with same-sex couples, adding: "We've had a discussion about it, actually, and I don't know. It makes absolutely no sense that anybody resists the idea, in principle. It's just a question of doing it."

On launch night, Calman was paired with Kevin Clifton, while Coles was paired with newcomer Dianna Buswell. The BBC released a statement that read: "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."

Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Show all 15 1 /15 Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Joe McFadden Who plays Raf di Lucca in Holby City. Broke through to the mainstream playing PC Joe Mason in Heartbeat series 2. BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Mollie King The Saturdays singer who has performed numerous routines with her group. She told Nick Grimshaw that she "can't wait to get into the sequins". Getty Images Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Gemma Atkinson Atkinson previously appeared in Casualty, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Of joining the dancing competition, she said: "I'm beyond excited and incredibly nervous, but looking forward to learning a new skill," Getty Images Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Davood Ghadami Best known for playing Kush Kazemi on Eastenders, he said: "It's going to be exciting, challenging and terrifying all at once and I am so looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to dance." BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Ruth Langsford Stand-in This Morning host who said: "The sum of my dance experience is throwing a few shapes at a party, I've never had a dance lesson in my life." Getty Images Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Susan Calman Actor and TV host who told Jeremy Vine of entering the competition: "I am the last person on the dancefloor! "I haven't worn heels or a dress since the 1970s... my mother will die happy to see me in a dress and glitter." Getty Images Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Simon Rimmer Sunday Brunch chef who has apparently never danced before. "I am so excited, terrified and proud to be invited... Nobody will try harder, have more fun or get more out of it than me. I can't wait." Liverpool FC via Getty Images Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Rev Richardl Coles The Reverend Richard Coles, AKA the only Vicar to ever score a top-charting single. Speaking to Chris Evans, he said: "A major dance talent was waiting to be discovered. I just wonder what took them so long. I'm in it to wing it, as they say." Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Aston Merrygold Another popstar - former member of boyband JLS, who rose to fame on X Factor. "I'm both nervous and excited to learn from the professionals about a whole new way of dancing!" he told Scott Mills. Getty Images Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Chizzy Akudolu The actor left Holby City in June. she previously appeared in The Inbetweeners, Hollyoaks, and Eastenders. "When I was 13, I made the finals of a disco dancing competition once but there was this amazing girl who exploded onto the stage with a gorgeous sequined costume, throwing glitter everywhere," she told the BBC. "I knew it was game over for me. That was then, this is now and this is my chance to have even more sequins!" Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Alexandra Burke X Factor winner who covered Hallelujah, scoring a Christmas Number 1. "I love this show and have followed it from the beginning, so being able to be a part of it is just a dream come true for me," she said. "I am very nervous as I am a singer not a dancer, but I am going to give this my absolute everything." Getty Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Brian Conley The comedian, actor and TV presenter has performed at the Royal Variety Performance eight times. "My family all love the show and can't wait to see me do my Dad dancing on national television," he told the Beeb. "I know it's going to be a lot of hard work but I'm up for the challenge, so bring on the spray tan and sequins." Getty Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Charlotte Hawkins Broadcast who has hosted shows on LBC, Sky News and Channel 5 and appears on Good Morning Britain. "I did dancing as a child, a bit of ballet, and I do a bit of dancing round the kitchen with my two-year old but I don't know if that counts," she said on the ITV show. "Thank you for all the support. This is setting me on the way now. The excitement's really beginning. It doesn't feel like it's really happening until people know." Ian West/PA Wire Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Debbie McGee Pictured above with husband Paul Daniels, who died 7 years ago. She said: "The excitement is overwhelming. I can't stop smiling. It's been the hardest secret I have ever had to keep!" PA Strictly Come Dancing 2017 lineup Jonnie Peacock Paralympian and Strictly's first ever disabled contestant. "The opportunity to be the first contestant with a disability to take part in Strictly's main show was too good to turn down," he said. "I've got no previous dance history outside of the occasional 'worm' at a mate's party and I know this will be a challenge and a new experience. "I can't wait to see what I can achieve and how far I can push myself." AP



Craig Revel Horwood and Lorraine Kelly discussed the topic on Monday as the Strictly judge commented, "‘I think a same sex couple can exist. You only have to decide who’s going to go backwards. In the world of competitions, there are same sex couples that do it as well so there is no reason that can’t happen. The Beeb just have to decide if it’s something they want to do."

"The tango was originally danced between two men anyway. The Argentine Tango between two men is powerful and explosive. And the same can happen between two women," he further pointed out.

He added that he personally believes, "it'll probably happen next year."