When it comes to supporting LGBT rights, British rugby star Ben Cohen isn’t just a fair-weather ally. This week, he revealed that he wanted to be one half of the first same-sex couple on Strictly Come Dancing, the UK’s version of Dancing With the Stars.
The Mirror is reporting that the sports god originally wanted to be paired with Ballroom dance professional Robin Windsor, but settled for Kristina Rihanoff instead because she’s “easier to pick up.”
“I like to break down stereotypes,” he said. “I’ve no qualms dancing with a woman or a man.”
When probed about Cohen’s wishful thinking, Windsor told reporters at last week’s National Lottery Stars awards that “He kept saying to me, ‘I hope they put me with you.'”
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We’re sad to see it won’t happen because Robin Windsor would have looked pretty fine in the arms of Ben Cohen. Let’s hope Strictly Come Dancing catches on to all the buzz and sets them up with a special one-off same-sex tango.
davyboy
Ben will be amazing whoever he dances with! He’s a winner already!
JustSayin
Guess I’m out of the loop. Who is the ‘less-than-hot’ on the left, and who is the stud on the right??
marc sfe
@JustSayin: Ben Cohen, on the left, is a beautiful man, inside and out. 6 pak abs mean nothing.
Lothar
I’m getting really tired of all this pandering to us “poor unfortunate souls”. this is obviously a pr stunt. Imagine if he had said he wanted a black female as a dance partner. Would he be getting an NAACP Image Award for it? Why are we soooooo gullible?
BritAus
Lothar, you obviously don’t know who he is and what he does for the gay community.
I suggest google him.
kayakriver
@JustSayin: ben cohen is the ultimate dreamboat. no ripped body, six pack or anything can make up for not being ben cohen.
balehead
Ben Cohen crossed the line from helping others to helping himself a long time ago, darlings….
Gans
@Lothar: I’m a friend of Ben’s, and he’s not doing this as just some PR stunt. He is truly a sincere, kind man. Lothar, I understand why you are saying this, as we have seen it all, but Ben is the real deal.You can’t find a better guy in the world, and that extends to his family as well. I am immensely proud of my mate. Once you get to know him you will see why he is a remarkable guy.
Kieran
It would be great if they were progressive enough to have a male dance team on DWTS. But American TV would never allow a team like Ben Cohen and Robin Windsor on prime time. Much too hot and it would totally freak out the hetero housewives. For American audiences we’d get something totally bland and nauseating. Think Ross Matthews dancing with Carson Kressly.
krystalkleer
why not!! http://getoffmydress.blogspot.com/2013/09/sometimes-ya-feel-like-nutcase.html
Kangol
A hottttttttt couple! Whew!
royster
if you’d really like to see a same-sex couple on DWTS here in the States (apparently it may have already happened in Israel of all places), then take this poll:
http://www.puredwts.com/2011/06/13/mark-ballas-endorses-same-sex-couple-dancing-on-dancing-with-the-stars-take-poll/
not sure it’ll help, but it can’t hurt. And i liked what Ballas had to say about it, very practical. As to Cohen’s motivations, i am more than happy to give him the benefit of the doubt. Heretofore, he has appeared to be quite a gentle man AND a gentleman, and continues to work for the angels.
Gans
@balehead: Sorry, balehead, but I believe you crossed the line here. He is an incredible guy that doesn’t need to do any of this. 11 years ago his father was killed because of bullying that went too far, and this was during the Rugby World Cup, which he played his heart out on the pitch, a match that went into an amazing triple overtime and won in the last 19 seconds.
“Uncle George”, his uncle and as kind as Benji is a proud supporter for the rights of all against bullying. He has a nice estate, his wife is amazing, two daughters that love him to bits, and friends not only in Rugby, UK, but around the world because he is one of the truly kind men that does not need to do this. He has enough accolades and an MBE from Her Majesty. I’m sure that Abby, the girls, and we friends would love to have him retire and fade out of the spotlight. I miss my friend dearly, and it’s not easy because I have Neuroacanthocytosis, a syndrome that is extremely rare, which has no cure. Many friends pulled away because this genetic flaw has challenged me, and I have no clue how long I have left.
But it is not about this queer, as I don’t expect anything but I am proud of the work he does to raise awareness of bullying. My Uncle Keith, a lifelong Saints Supporter (where Ben started his career) and another friend, had a series of heart attacks that shook the family to the core. I kept Ben in the loop about his condition, and he sent a get well card for him. He didn’t need to do this, but that’s the character of my friend.
Ben has been afflicted by a profound hearing loss. Elton John and his husband David paid for an incredible surgery so Ben could hear, and Ben was always one that nodding his head back and forth was his best dancing skills. He’s donating this for the Stand-Up Foundation. He spends more time now in the States, and I really wish we could have time to hang out, but it is not in the cards.
This Dancing thing is him taking on the challenge of actually hearing music. (sorry, I’m a Rugby bloke, not some Ballroom Dancing fanatic) I am certain that he is doing this, as he is fearless and watching the acceleration of this 6’3″ man is amazing. And Footie doesn’t rely on padding and steroids. I wouldn’t want to be tackled by him, even now that he is retired. Do I miss a friend? Of course! But he is doing something for our Community, and if you met him personally any questions about this being an ego booster is bollocks.
darkanser
@JustSayinNot that this is the point of the article but do you not, at least, find the guy on the left quite handsome? It’s hard for me to find a guy attractive if I don’t like his face — no matter how nice his body is. For that matter, both guys look just fine. And yes, I knew it was Ben Cohen.
Gans
@darkanser: Benji is quite handsome, and at 6’3″ he is solidly built. When you’re in person with him many melt for him, but as a mate you can understand that I don’t look at him in that light. I see him as a good man, that can let go of all that seriousness and his blue eyes and smile he makes me envious.
However I agree that the face is the first priority. Even more is his mind. If he’s witless I just can’t find a bloke attractive. He has to be intelligent, as I’m not a bloke that goes on the pull. One of his former Saints’ team mates, Sean Lamont, is flipping HOT! He was in Les Dieux Du Stade books is incredibly hot. Beautiful Scottish face. He’s one I think we would agree on!
brianmovie
Ben is so sweet, and they make a cute couple,
enlightenone
@Gans: Not as lucky as you, but I suspect he even more than meets the eye!!!!
pscheck2
It’s too bad that a gay person the likes of a Ben Cohen, could not be displayed in the media like Ben!He would be the ideal gay persona that the gay community needs right now as an excellent role model for all the young men who are experiencing doubts about their sexuality! I agree, Ben is one class act who deserves all the accolades bestowed upon him and in my wildest dreams, he would come ‘out’ happy and proud!
Sluggo2007
@Lothar: Perhaps if you’d get over your self-loathing attitude and check out some facts before you open your pathetic mouth, you wouldn’t come across as an imbecile, you bitter, lonely, old queen!