JUDGE Rinder revealed he’s been asked to return to Strictly Come Dancing in a same-sex couple.
Rinder – real name Rob, 41 – says the BBC are keen to get a same-sex couple after Dancing On Ice partnered Ian ‘H’ Watkins with Matt Evers this year.
So for the Christmas special this year, bosses have their eye on Rinder, who dazzled during the 2016 series of the main show.
“I was offered next year’s Christmas special with a same-sex dancer,” he told OK! Magazine.
“I’d do anything. I’ve danced on stage with Anton Du Beke for a Grenfell Tower benefit.”
Strictly introduced a same-sex couple in the professional group dance in 2019, with Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima performing to Emeli Sande’s ballad Shine.
However, the routine sparked 300 complaints to the BBC.
H from Steps became the first same-sex couple in Dancing On Ice history, but became the 5th person eliminated from the ITV skating competition.
Fans of the show were in tears when they made their debut on the show earlier this year.
One fan wrote: “Its incredible to see same sex dance partners on #DancingOnIce Im LIVING for it”.
Another added: “I’m so proud of @Ianhwatkins and @TheMattEvers, can’t describe how emotional I am seeing them together.”
A third said: “Currently crying over @Ianhwatkins & @TheMattEvers. This is history, this amazing. I’m so emotional and proud.”
Speaking in his video trailer, Ian said that he always knew he’d want to be partnered with a man if he ever took part in the show.
He said: “Because I am a gay guy, it was always in my mind that I wanted a same-sex partner.”
Ian later added to Matt: “This journey is so so personal and important to both of us.”
Matt continued: “It’s going to mean a lot to a lot of people in this country and around the world.”
