Strictly star says same-sex dancing couples “a joke”

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer James Jordan says that including same-sex ballroom couples on the popular British show “would be a joke.”

Jordan appeared on ITV’s This Morning on Monday with his wife and dance partner Ola and argued that Strictly should stay “traditional” by not featuring same-sex dance couples.

“If there is a same sex couple dancing… it would be a joke. People wouldn’t take it seriously. It would have to be a comedy value,” he said.

“I don’t think it would be two men dancing the sexy rumba, I don’t think it would work.”

He went on to add: “Why do we have to change something just to tick another box? I think there’s a lot of people who would agree with me that they wouldn’t want to see two same-sex people dancing on the show.”

“It doesn’t make me homophobic at all but it’s just something I feel very strongly about,” he said.

The 37-year-old British ballroom dancer featured in the BBC celebrity TV dancing competition from 2006 until 2013 and last year also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother.

On social media, many of Jordan’s followers supported his view that the show should remain “traditional”.

John Dixon (‏@JohnDix05953090) tweeted: “I totally agree with you James, Im a gay man and would prefer NOT to see same sex couples on Strictly.”

Alexandria Murphy (‏@Alexburf) commented: “@The_JamesJordan you are spot on – it’s nothing to do with sexuality it’s about tradition @itvthismorning.”

His comments were, however, met with outrage by Stuart Hatton Jr, a professional dancer and current Mr Gay UK and Mr Gay World 2014.

“You are just a homophobe!” said Hatton on Facebook.

“How very dare you oppress a community that just wants to dance together? Two men or two ladies dancing together are not starting wars, they are not breaking the law and they should not be made to feel like a joke or ‘wrong’.”

Hatton went on to say: “It’s people like you who continually push the LGBTI community backwards. You are in a position of respect and authority and you should support equality and forward change. I am so disappointed in you and I will NEVER support you, your tours or your shows EVER again.”

Last year, some British dance officials controversially attempted to ban same-sex dancing partners from competing against traditional couples but their efforts ultimately failed.

In May, Freed of London, one of the world’s leading specialists in dance footwear, announced that it will be using the image of two men tangoing in a new campaign for their range of dance shoes.