Strictly Come Dancing bosses are reportedly "desperate" to see a same-sex couple do well on the BBC dance competition this year.
A same-sex couple has never won the competition with last year's all-male pairing of Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice leaving after just a few weeks.
Comedian Jayde Adams and her pro partner Karen Hauer also failed to lift to the Glitterball Trophy in 2022.
Other same-sex couplings in the past include boxer Nicola Adams and Katya Jones, and Great British Bake Off star John Whaite and Johannes Radebe.
This year, it's been reported that actor Layton Williams has already signed up to appear and is keen to perform with a male counterpart.
The actor, who fans will recognise from the BBC's Bad Education, also took on the lead role in stage musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly signed up Layton Williams
PA
Williams, who is openly gay, also runs a dance company and has been performing since he was a youngster.
Discussing the possibility of a same-sex pairing involving Williams, a source told The Mirror: “This year everyone is hoping for a same-sex couple who can go the distance.
"Layton is a phenomenal performer, the pros will probably queue up to work with him.”
The BBC refused to comment on the reports when contacted for comment by GB News.
The 28-year-old actor's CV also boasts a number of other big roles on the small screen.
Williams starred opposite Billie Piper in Sky's I Hate Suzie and alongside Greg Davies in BBC comedy The Cleaner.
He also had a brief cameo in Elton John biopic Rocketman back in 2019.
The BBC is yet to officially confirm Williams' spot in the Strictly class of 2023 but he's not the only big name tipped to perform.
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Layton Williams is reportedly asking for a male Strictly partner
PA
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! winner Jill Scott is reported to be a favourite of BBC bosses, according to Planet Radio.
While presenter Angela Scanlon is also already set and ready to hit the dancefloor.
This Morning host Josie Gibson is another name tipped to perform.
A source told The Sun about Gibson's reported interest: "BBC bosses are desperate for her to appear on Strictly as she’s exactly the kind of warm, engaging person they love.
"(She's) one who will always be a hit with viewers."