Gillian Anderson, Jessie J in running for first female pairing on Strictly?

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: June 7 2020 | 09:23

Last updated: July 15 2020 | 17:15

Gillian Anderson and Jessie J are reportedly wanted by Strictly Come Dancing as producers plot the show's first all-female pairing.

Gillian Anderson and Jessie J are reportedly in talks for Strictly Come Dancing, with one of them earmarked to be part of the show's first all-female pairing.

The BBC is planning for the show to go ahead as usual this autumn, although changes to the normal format are expected in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month it was reported that producers are planning to introduce a same-sex couple this year, with the initial expectation that it would be a male pairing.

According to The Sun, however, the BBC feels that a male couple would be "too predictable" after Dancing On Ice paired Ian 'H' Watkins with Matt Evers earlier this year.

"The plan is to have a same-sex couple, and two women. Dancing On Ice featured two men, so it would be good to offer something different and keep pushing boundaries," a source told the newspaper.

"All of the pros, male and female, have said they would be delighted to be partnered with someone of their own gender."

The X-Files actress Anderson and 'Price Tag' singer Jessie J are said to be top of the wishlist, with other alleged candidates including presenter Steph McGovern, singer Chelcee Grimes and ex-Bake Off host Sandi Toksvig.

Last year's Strictly featured two pro male dancers performing a routine together for the first time, prompting 189 complaints to TV regulator Ofcom.