Craig Revel Horwood has championed the idea of having same-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing. The Strictly judge was asked about the possibility of same-sex partnerships on the show during an appearance on Lorraine on Monday, and said he thinks they could be introduced as early as next year. He remarked: "I think same-sex couples can exist, you only have to decide who's going to go backwards really, don't you. That's the only difference."
STORY: Strictly 2017: Celebrity and professional dancer pairings revealed!
Craig Revel Horwood has spoken about the possibility of same-sex couples on Strictly
Quizzed by host Lorraine Kelly as to whether that was likely to happen on Strictly, Craig replied: "I hope so. I really hope so. In the world of competition there are same-sex couples that do it as well, so there is no reason why that can't happen. It's just, I guess, the Beeb have to decide whether they want to do that one year, and I think it'll probably happen next year."
The 52-year-old added: "When you consider the tango was originally danced between two men anyway. It's amazing – seeing Argentine Tango between two men is powerful and explosive and the same can happen between two women. There's nothing wrong, I mean you can get married now, can't you? It's great to celebrate anyone's sexuality. And, as you say, it's not just about sex, it's about dancing."
Strictly judges: Bruno Tonioli, Dacrey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas
STORY: Tess Daly in tears on Strictly as she pays tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth
The Australian-British dancer, who previously dated Britain's Got Talent runner-up Damon Scott, was also asked if he was "tangoing" with anyone at the moment. "No I'm not," he replied. "I'm loving being single, absolutely loving it. Then I don't have to complicate my life or worry about anyone else."