Phillip Schofield 'in talks for Strictly's first same-sex couple'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: August 2 2020 | 09:48

Last updated: August 2 2020 | 15:52

This Morning host Phillip Schofield is linked with a shock role on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield has emerged as a shock target for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

In an emotional interview on his own show earlier this year, the 58-year-old announced that he is gay, having spent years struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.

Strictly is expected to introduce at least one same-sex couple for the first time in the show's history this year, and according to the Daily Star, Schofield has been lined up to become one half of an all-male pairing.

"Top-secret talks have been happening for a few weeks and an offer has been made," a source told the newspaper.

"The hope is Phillip would dance with another man. If it happens it would be a beautiful and important moment both for him and for the show."

Schofield's link with the BBC's flagship show is somewhat of a surprise given his heavy involvement with ITV as host of the similar show Dancing On Ice, as well as his work on This Morning and gameshows The Cube and 5 Gold Rings, both of which will return for new series this autumn.

The new series of Strictly has been delayed until late October and shortened from 13 weeks to nine due to the coronavirus pandemic.

> Every name in the frame for this year's Strictly Come Dancing