Richie Anderson wanted a same-sex partner on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ to celebrate his 10th anniversary with his partner.
Richie Anderson wanted a same-sex partner on Strictly to celebrate his relationship
The BBC Radio 2 presenter wanted to mark his relationship with his significant other Dean Eagles and the 50th anniversary of London Pride celebrations by dancing with a man on the BBC One Latin and ballroom competition.
The 34-year-old DJ told Mirror Online: “They actually gave me the option. They rang me up and they said, 'We want you to be on Strictly this year' - I ran off screaming and they were like, 'Can you come back to the phone?' They went, 'We're booking you for you, so it's up to you whether you want to dance with a female partner or a male partner.'
"I spoke to my partner Dean and this year is our 10-year anniversary and we have to - for our 10 year anniversary - it's the 50th anniversary of Pride this year as well - we have to dance with a man.
"So we spoke about it and I can't imagine me lifting a female pro up but ... I just can't wait to be out there and I'm proud to be dancing with one of the male pros and I hope they feel the same way!"
Richie is excited for the “sparkles and sequins”.
At the time of his reveal, the star - who will compete alongside Tony Adams, James Bye and Ellie Taylor, among others - said: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel-good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.
"I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand. It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”
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