THE BBC yesterday unveiled a new addition to Strictly Come Dancing so it is accessible for all audiences.
Live signing will be available for the first time on BBC iPlayer and the red button, alongside audio description and subtitling.
It comes as Love Island’s deaf star Tasha Ghouri joins the cast.
She has worked with the Department of Education to install British Sign Language as a GCSE subject.
Strictly’s new initiative will be available during the live Saturday night shows, the Sunday results shows, the launch episode, the Christmas special and the upcoming 20th anniversary programme.
Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at BBC said: “Strictly Come Dancing has always been at the forefront of inclusivity and representation and I’m delighted that our 20th anniversary series will be the most accessible yet for our audience.
“Introducing live signing, alongside audio description and subtitling, means that there are more options than ever for the whole audience to come together to experience the glitz and glamour of our Saturday and Sunday night shows.
“This is a great launchpad for our exciting new BSL season next year which will feature special programming and online resources shining a spotlight on the beautiful language of BSL.”
It comes as BBC boss Charlotte Moore gave a greater insight into the new safety measures put in place by the dance show in the wake of the Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima scandals.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, she revealed that separate welfare officers had been provided for celebrities and dancers to ensure full confidentiality should any complaints arise.
She said: “This year because of the recent concerns that people have had, we have made sure that there is a welfare producer not just across the whole show but there’s one for the dancers, there’s one for the celebrities.”
She added: “We have made sure that people feel there really is a way for them to talk and come out about any concerns.
“Let’s just put it in perspective this is a show that has given so much joy to the nation, to people taking part in it, frankly, as well as audiences. So it’s a really important show for us.
“I want to make sure that it’s a positive experience for everyone that takes part, from the crew, to the makeup artists, to the celebrities, to the dancers. It needs to be a positive experience.”
Both dancers have been accused of “bullying” backstage by their female celebrity partners.
