Strictly to feature same-sex pro dance couples during routines through the series for the first time

STRICTLY Come Dancing bosses are training their professional dancers in same-sex pairings in a bid to pave the way in the future for a same sex celebrity couple.

It comes after both stars and judges have supported the idea of introducing it on the show.

In some of the professional numbers throughout the series pros Pasha Kovalev, 38, and AJ Pritchard, 23, will dance as a duo, while Karen Clifton, 36, and another female dancer will perform as a pair.

A TV source said: “Some of the dancers have been rehearsing some same sex pairings with plans to introduce them to a few of the professional numbers.

There have been a lot of calls for same sex pro and celebrity pairings on the show so this is an ideal way to integrate into the format.”

Earier this year head judge Shirley Ballas, 57, backed having same-sex couples on the show.

She said: “It was marvellous. If they were to do that I would embrace it. Whatever choices people make I’ll be fine with.”

Meanwhile, openly gay This Morning doctor Ranj Singh, a contestant on this year’s series, revealed: “I would love a male dance partner. A male partner would be a really progressive thing — but these things take time.”

A BBC spokeswoman said: “This is not unprecedented, every week some of the world’s top choreographers create stunning routines that showcase the skills of our pro dancers.

They can cast and direct the dances however they think best tells the story.”