Strictly's Alex Kingston Makes Show History With First Same-Sex Partnership
Alex Kingston makes Strictly history with same-sex partner

In a groundbreaking moment for British television, Alex Kingston has made Strictly Come Dancing history by becoming the first celebrity contestant to be paired with a same-sex partner in the main lineup.

The acclaimed actress, best known for her role as River Song in Doctor Who, will dance with professional Katya Jones when the hit BBC show returns this autumn. This marks a significant step forward for the long-running entertainment programme, which has previously featured same-sex pairings only in professional dance numbers.

A Watershed Moment for Entertainment

The 61-year-old star expressed her excitement about making television history, stating she's "thrilled" to be part of this progressive move. Kingston follows in the footsteps of other celebrities who have championed same-sex partnerships in dance competitions, but hers represents the first instance in Strictly's main celebrity-pro pairings.

"This feels like a natural evolution for the show," Kingston remarked during the launch event. "The world of dance has always been inclusive, and it's wonderful to see television catching up."

Breaking Barriers in Ballroom

Katya Jones, who previously won Strictly with comedian Joe McFadden in 2017, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership. "Dance is about connection and artistry, regardless of gender," Jones commented. "I'm excited to create something beautiful with Alex and show what we can achieve together."

The move has been widely praised by viewers and LGBTQ+ advocates, who see it as an important step toward normalising same-sex partnerships in mainstream entertainment. Many fans took to social media to express their support for the historic pairing, with some calling it "long overdue" and "a celebration of diversity."

Continuing Strictly's Inclusive Journey

Strictly Come Dancing has been gradually moving toward greater inclusivity in recent years. The show first featured a same-sex dance between two professionals in 2018 and has since included several same-sex professional routines. However, Kingston and Jones' partnership represents the most significant step yet in integrating same-sex pairings into the core competition format.

As the new series prepares to launch, all eyes will be on this pioneering duo as they take to the dance floor, potentially changing the landscape of entertainment television forever.