Shirley Ballas promises 'magnificent' same-sex Strictly routine

\'Strictly Come Dancing\' star Shirley Ballas has promised "the most magnificent" performance for this weekend\'s same-sex pro routine.

Although the BBC Latin and ballroom show is yet to introduce competitive same-sex pairings so far, the head judge has hinted at a very emotional experience for viewers when it comes to Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima\'s collaboration.

She told Digital Spy: "All I can say is have your tissues ready. It\'s the most magnificent thing I have witnessed in rehearsals.

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"Johannes brings out such a wonderful joy of dancing, and him and Graziano just envelope the whole experience. It warms your heart for sure. It is for sure something to look forward to."

Her comments come as Shirley has defended her deciding vote which kicked Johannes and his celebrity partner Catherine Tyldesley out of the competition over the weekend in favour of Mike Bushell and Katya Jones.

She explained: "Every time someone goes out someone gets upset. I have one question - why was Catherine in the bottom two? I stand by my decision.

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"Why was she there in bottom two? You can\'t complain if it ends up like that. It\'s about what they do there and then.

"And I know I absolutely made the right decision. Every week we could have the same conversation."

Meanwhile, earlier this year the BBC confirmed \'Strictly\' bosses are open to same-sex pairings in the future "should the opportunity arise."

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A spokesperson previously said: "\'Strictly Come Dancing\' is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same-sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.

"We are completely open to the prospect of including same-sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise."