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Reverend Richard Coles said Strictly Come Dancing should stick to the male/female format.

The openly gay reverend – who was part of the BBC ballroom and latin dance competition last year – has waded into the debate of same-sex dance couples on the hit TV series.

This series will see professional dance routines performed by same-sex couples in the show’s history and although he is in a same-sex relationship himself, Coles – who lied about having HIV for five years – believes the show should stick to the traditional format.

While appearing on Good Morning Britain, Coles said: “I think men and women dance together in a particular way.

“There are aesthetic reasons to keep it that way. If it aint broke, don’t fix it.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with sticking with the format, as well.

“[Strictly] is as gay friendly as Barbra Streisand at Sydney gay Mardi Gras.”