At the beginning of every British autumn we mark the turning season with three immutable certainties: bright chilly mornings, the start of a new academic year and the launch of Strictly Come Dancing. This year sees the 20th series, with a line-up that has sparked nationwide conversations about gender, sexuality and disability.
Last year’s ground-breaking final was praised for its inclusive representation with deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and John Whaite, the first male contestant to dance in a same-sex pairing.
