comment
from December 2007

You’d think that such a camp show as Strictly Come Dancing would be the ideal place for a lovely display of same-sex coupledom. But sadly not. I ventured onto the programme’s internet message boards and said ‘Isn't it about time the BBC woke up to the fact that same-sex dancing exists and allows male couples and female couples to compete on such a programme? Where is the BBC's commitment to equality and diversity?’ and these are just a few of the replies that were posted....

I don't think the public is ready for that. I know i'm not.

I'm all for equality but I don't think the prime time viewing public are yet.

It won't happen. There'd be too much confusion about who was supposed to lead.

You must be joking, how revolting.

I wouldn't like to see it happening - surely there'd be an argument over who would wear the dress, or who would lead. I do like the idea but clearly the gbp are not ready for it. Sad but there you go.

As a gay woman even I have to say it wouldn't be good. I absolutely love this show and for me it's just got to be a man and a woman dancing together, especially for family viewing too.

Am I the only person still naive enough to be shocked by the ignorance and nastiness evident by these and other comments, which are by far the majority of what's been written up there?

Clive Spendlove