Phillip Schofield responds to claims he’s in talks for Strictly Come Dancing’s first same-sex couple

'This Morning' presenter was recently the subject of tabloid reports suggesting that he was set to appear as one half of the show's first same-sex couple

(Jeff Spicer/Getty)

Phillip Schofield has addressed reports that he will be taking part in BBC One’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing.

It recently emerged that the television presenter, who publicly came out as gay in February this year, is set to appear as one half of Strictly’s first same-sex couple.

Speaking to Radio Times, a representative for Schofield has now denied the claims, calling the reports entirely “untrue”. They confirmed, “He is not in talks with the BBC”.

Schofield is currently the host of Dancing on Ice. The ITV reality show competition introduced its first same-sex pairing earlier this year with Ian H Watkins and Matt Evers.

There have been calls from viewers for Strictly to follow suit. The show previously received praise last November when a same-sex routine featuring professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima was performed during a results show.

Although it is confirmed that the This Morning presenter will not be joining the show, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas recently shared who she would like to see take part. Ballas told Digital Spy that “it would be lovely for one of the younger royals” to join.

Strictly Come Dancing has faced filming setbacks amid the pandemic. The show is a month behind schedule and is due to air from 24 October with a reduced run of nine weeks instead of the usual 13.