Richie Anderson has traded radio for rhythm to compete in this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC Radio 2 star has been paired with last year's winner, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, and opted for a same sex coupling to celebrate his 10th anniversary with his partner and the 50th Pride.
The radio DJ explained that BBC bosses gave him the option to either dance with a woman or a man.
Richie, who has been in a relationship with Dean Eagles for 10 years, told the Mirror ahead of the show's launch that he had discussed his choices with his partner.
"They actually gave me the option," he said. "They rang me up and they said, 'We want you to be on Strictly this year' - I ran off screaming and they were like, 'Can you come back to the phone?'
"They went, 'We're booking you for you, so it's up to you whether you want to dance with a female partner or a male partner.'
"I spoke to my partner Dean and this year is our 10 year anniversary and we have to - for our 10 year anniversary - it's the 50th anniversary of Pride this year as well - we have to dance with a man.
"So we spoke about it and I can't imagine me lifting a female pro up but... I just can't wait to be out there and I'm proud to be dancing with one of the male pros and I hope they feel the same way!"
His appearance on the show was first announced in August and said at the time: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel-good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it’s just pure escapism.
"I’m going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I’m sure my friends and family will understand. It’s also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it’s so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show.”
Before joining Strictly, Richie was famous for working on BBC Radio 2's The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.
He is also a former Sunday League footballer who played for Coombs Wood F.C and came out to his teammates after a match in 2018 as part of a documentary for The One Show, highlighting homophobia in the sport
Speaking to his teammates on camera, he said: "One of the big issues we've looked at this week, erm, it's really close to my heart, is homophobia in football.
"The reason why that means a lot to me is – I'm a gay footballer. So I just wanted to be open and honest with you lot. It's just been class.
"This is really hard for me to do..." he continued, before his teammates broke into applause.
"So relieved," Richie said afterwards. "So, so relieved. I can't even tell you.
"I expected it as they're a good bunch of lads. It probably helped that I scored as well, but I’m so relieved."
Richie added: "The main thing is, I hope there's people watching this that are in the same boat I was in, and they're thinking, 'You know what? I can do that as well.'"
Richie grew up in Smethwick, Birmingham, studied journalism at the University of Leeds and broke into radio after a week-long work experience spot at BBC WM.
And he credits his parents for his ambition and drive.
"Dad fixes windows and doors and mum works in a cash and carry. They've both been key workers all along and they gave me my work ethic," he previously told Birmingham Live.
*Strictly continues tonight at 6.30pm on BBC One.
What do you think of Richie and Giovanni's chemistry on the dance floor? Have your say in the comments section below...
