The new series of Strictly will feature no same-sex couple for the first time in five years, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Producers took the decision earlier this month, it is believed, with some insiders suggesting it was a way of returning the hit BBC1 show to its traditional roots following a series of high-profile scandals.
One source said that while the broadcaster wants to be seen as ‘inclusive and progressive’ executives are aware that ‘not everyone is going to like’ same-sex pairings.
Their decision comes despite the all-male duo of Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin making it to the final last year.
Professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima made history when they became the first same-sex couple to dance together on the show in 2019.
The one-off performance attracted 189 complaints, but executives said the gender of contestants should have ‘no bearing’ on their dancing.
In 2020, ex-boxer Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones became the first same-sex couple to compete, but had to pull out in week four after Ms Jones tested positive for Covid.
In 2021, Radebe and celebrity chef John Whaite became the first same-sex duo to reach the finals.
And the following year, comedian Jayde Adams was paired with Karen Hauer, but were eliminated in week five.
Strictly returns next month for what should have been a glorious 20th anniversary series, until a number of controversies rocked the show.
Pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for allegedly kicking his partner Zara McDermott during last year’s series, although the dancer is said to be preparing an unfair dismissal case against the BBC.
The broadcaster is also investigating claims Giovanni Pernice bullied actress Amanda Abbington last year, which the dancer denies.
It is thought the controversies have led to fewer women wanting to take part this year, with just six of the 15 celebrity contestants female.
They include Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, who is trained in commercial dance, singer Toyah Willcox and actress Sarah Hadland.
Male contestants include DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles and ex-footballer Paul Merson.
Despite the scandals, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: ‘I think the show can rise above what has happened.
‘It has a certain verve and people would be so sad if this was to mean the show didn’t continue.’