BBC Strictly 'in discussions' to sign up first transgender celebrity contestant as reality TV star 'lined up'

BBC Strictly 'in discussions' to sign up first transgender celebrity contestant as reality TV star 'lined up'

WATCH NOW: Ellie and Vito win Strictly Come Dancing 2023

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 20/12/2023

- 09:00

Strictly bosses are already gearing up for next year's series

Next year's Strictly Come Dancing could feature the first ever transgender celebrity competitor, according to reports.

While the 2023 series only finished a matter of days ago with Ellie Leach emerging with the Glitterball Trophy, discussions are reportedly already ongoing as to who'll star in the 2024.


With the glitter still settling on this year's run, no official confirmation for 2024 has been announced and won't be until late next year.

However, transgender celebrity Ella Morgan, who shot to stardom on the E4 reality show Married at First Sight, has reportedly been "promised" a meeting with BBC bosses.

The 29-year-old has signed up with the same management team that fellow reality star and Strictly 2023 contestant Zara McDermott works with.

A source has now said: "Ella has been promised a meeting with BBC bosses to discuss the prospect of her joining the Strictly cast next year.

Ella Morgan

Ella Morgan has reportedly been "promised a meeting" with Strictly bosses

GETTY

"It would be a dream come true for her, obviously she would adore wearing the sparkly costumes but also the message it sends to the nation about her transition... all she has ever wanted is to be accepted.

"Strictly has never been afraid of being inclusive or alienating viewers and that has worked in their favour, as now it's drawn in new audiences.

"Bosses want to continue reaching new viewers and breaking boundaries, a transgender contestant will certainly be a Strictly first," they added to Mail Online.

GB News has contacted the BBC for comment.

The 2023 Strictly cast

The 2023 Strictly cast featured celebs from all walks of life

BBC

Strictly is no stranger to breaking new ground when it comes to on-screen representation, introducing same-sex pairings in recent years while deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis and Paralympians Jody Cundy and Jonnie Peacock have taken part in years gone by.

Should Morgan put pen to paper on a stint on Strictly, she'll have a tough act to follow after this year's finale.

Leach managed to see off Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier in the finale despite finishing bottom of the leaderboard on the night.

Both Leach and pro partner Vito Coppola were stunned to discover they'd won the sought-after trophy - with the latter breaking down in tears on-air.

Ella Morgan

Ella Morgan shot to fame on Married at First Sight

GETTY

"I actually, genuinely cannot believe this," Leach said as Coppola broke down in tears and insisted: "Don't talk to me,."

In an adorable moment, Leach teased her partner: "This is the first time I have seen him cry, for once you're crying more than me so this is for you, this is for you."

Coppola returned the favour as he said to Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly: "I mean this is the cherry on the cake… the point of the iceberg."

Turning to Leach, he added: "You have been so amazing, you are Strictly, you represent Strictly. You are the diamond shining... you are amazing, I am so proud."

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