As the discussion about whether same-sex pairings should be included on the BBC ballroom show continues, Kevin offered his opinion when answering questions from fans on Twitter.
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Kevin, who partnered with Louise Redknapp in 2016, said he had 'no problem' being paired with another man
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He was asked: “As a gay man who loves the show (and thinks you are brilliant), I’m curious where do you stand on same-sex dance partners? Would you be open to dancing with a guy if the show put that to you?”
Kevin, who has been on the show for five years, replied: “Just to be clear I’m not involved in any of these decisions. But if that’s what they wanted then I’d have no problem with it.”
The BBC has already confirmed that this year’s series not have same-sex pairings, even though some international editions of the show already do.
A BBC spokesperson said last month: ”‘Strictly’ has chosen the longstanding ballroom dancing format of mixed-sex couples and at the moment we have no plans to introduce same-sex couples in the competition.”
Last year, judge Craig Revel-Horwood said he was “hopeful” same-sex couples would soon appear on the show.
Previous contestants have also been wading into the conversation, Robert Rinder, who is gay, suggested to The Telegraph “it would be great if it happens”.
“Visibility really does matter,” he added.
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Kevin with his 2018 partner Susan Calman
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Kevin’s comments come as ‘Capital Breakfast Show’ co-host Vick Hope was announced as the latest contestant for this years ‘Strictly’.
However, Kevin has been defending the signing on Twitter saying it was opening the show up to younger audiences.
Responding to a post about Joe’s signing being the right choice, he said: “Absolutely. Whether people embrace it or not the fact is social media has changed the game and the way content is consumed and the savvy are making a name for themselves.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2018: All The Rumoured Contestants
Gemma Collins(01 of08)
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Joey isn’t the only ‘TOWIE’ star to be linked to the new series. Gemma Collins’ approach to getting on the show was to threaten not to sue the BBC after she fell through the floor at last year’s Radio 1 Teen Awards if she was given a spot on ‘Strictly’.
But judge Craig Revel Horwood isn’t convinced, insisting the GC isn’t the right “calibre” for ‘Strictly’. But Gemma remained unrepentant, telling OK! Magazine: "I'll burst onto that dance floor and show them what a samba is! He won't know what's hit him." (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Piers Morgan(02 of08)
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The ‘Good Morning Britain’ presenter could be following in his colleague Susanna Reid’s footsteps after he tweeted a snap of him dancing with former contender and Labour MP Ed Balls. He captioned the shot: "BREAKING: My #Strictly training has begun."
His nemesis Lord Sugar upped the stakes when he offered to donate £25,000 to charity if Piers does take part, and an additional £25,000 if he gets past week five. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Dan Walker(03 of08)
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Piers further fuelled rumours that he’d be taking to the ‘Strictly’ dance floor after his BBC Breakfast rival Dan Walker was linked to the new series. Piers said: “I would seriously consider [Strictly] if it meant giving Walker a lesson in how to dance in front of nine million people.” (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(04 of08)
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‘Strictly’ did wonders for Michelle’s husband Mark Wright’s profile when he made the 2014 final. The former ‘Corrie’ star and ‘Our Girl’ actress has been rumoured to be at the top of ‘Strictly’ bosses’ wish-list for the last few years, so will we finally see her take to the dance floor in 2018? (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Les Dennis(05 of08)
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The former ‘Coronation Street’ actor has hinted on more than one occasion that he’d love to appear on ‘Strictly’. During an appearance on ‘Sunday Brunch’ he said: “When I was doing Coronation Street I was approached but we weren't allowed to do it, we had a policy. I wouldn't mind doing it, I always like a challenge."
He reiterated his interest during an appearance on ‘This Morning’ earlier this year, saying: "I would love to do it. Yes please. Ice skating, well maybe…that's more scary. But who knows.” (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Nadiya Hussain(06 of08)
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The ‘Bake Off’ champ is a big fan of 'Strictly' and after being invited to watch one of the live shows last year, BBC bosses reportedly made no secret of how much they’d love Nadiya to appear on the new series. (credit:HGL via Getty Images)
Holly Willoughby(07 of08)
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The ‘This Morning’ presenter is a self-confessed ‘Strictly’ superfan, admitting that she’d “love” to learn some new moves on the 'Strictly' dancefloor. She admitted: "I'm obsessed with Strictly, so I'd love to learn to dance." (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Cheryl(08 of08)
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We can’t help but think this is a serious case of wishful thinking, mainly on behalf of head judge Shirley Ballas who has stated she would love to see Chezza strutting her stuff. "I think Cheryl Cole would be amazing,” she said. So do we Shirl, but we reckon there’s more chance of Girls Aloud getting back together. (credit:Empics Entertainment)