The Austrian version of Strictly Come Dancing will have the first-ever male couple in the history of the show's format.Openly-gay Alfons Haider, who is said to have inspired Sacha Baron Cohen’s Brüno character, will be dancing with professional Hungarian dancer Balazs Ekker for series six of Austria’s Dancing Stars in March.
The Austrian Times reports that Haider had previously joked about taking part with a male partner, he said “For me, it won’t be about the gay issue. It should be all about the fun – I’m not the gay Joan of Arc! I’m looking forward to dancing with Balazs.”
Haider was targeted by conservative media and anti-gay activists after his coming out 14 years ago.
The Strictly Come Dancing format has shows in over 30 countries, with Austria’s version starting in 2005.
AustrianTimes