Artem Chigvintsev thinks \'Strictly Come Dancing\' should have already featured a same-sex couple.
The 37-year-old dancer - who was a pro on the show for four years and won during his debut series in 2010 alongside celebrity partner Kara Tointon - has weighed in after it was revealed \'Dancing On Ice\' will pair Ian \'H\' Watkins with pro skater Matt Evers.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I think they should have done it already. I know that it\'s something that will happen on \'Strictly\', you\'ll see two guys dancing together.
"But for me, there should not be a reason why they haven\'t done it in the past.
"I know [\'Dancing With The Stars\' in] Australia have done it before - I don\'t think it should be an issue. I think we should have done it a long time ago."
While the BBC Latin and ballroom show has featured a same-sex couple in group routines, bosses are open to the idea of doing the same with competitive pairings between celebrities and pro dancers in the future.
Artem is also up for a return to \'Strictly\' after moving to \'Dancing With The Stars\' in the US back in 2014.
He said: "Yeah, if the opportunity comes along and it\'s the right time for me, then absolutely!
"I love doing what I do, I\'ve been doing this for 10 years so I\'d always take that opportunity if it comes along."
And he would even be up for a judging role under the right circumstances, adding: "Well, I wouldn\'t be opposed - I mean, I know I can dance and teach. I would love to get involved."
After \'Dancing With The Stars\' bosses decided to replace Artem and Sharna Burgess earlier this year, the \'Total Bellas\' star admitted he has had to take a step back.
While he hasn\'t tuned into the current US series, Artem - who recently appeared alongside host Rylan Clark-Neal on \'Strictly\' spin-off \'It Takes Two\' - has kept up with the British show.
He said: "I\'ve tried to keep my distance from dancing just because I thought it might be too harsh for me to watch.
"It\'s very fresh and raw for me, but I kept up \'Strictly\'. It\'s been an amazing series, everyone\'s done an amazing job. I feel like that show will never really go out of fashion."
