Faye Tozer has praised 'Strictly Come Dancing' for including a same-sex pairing on this year's series.

Giovanni Pernice and Faye Tozer

Giovanni Pernice and Faye Tozer

The 44-year-old singer - who took part in the 2018 series - is excited to see boxer Nicola Adams paired up with a female professional dancer on the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition in October, after her former band mate Ian "H" Watkins made history as part of the first same-sex duo on 'Dancing on Ice' earlier this year.

Speaking to hosts Bobby Norris and Stephen Leng on 'Access All Areas' for FUBAR Radio, she said: "I think that it's really exciting that they've gone for it in the climate of things. Actually having a same sex couple is so very exciting."

H, 44, was paired with professional skater Matt Evers, 44, for the ITV figure skating competition in January, and in his exit speech from the show, the singer called for 'Strictly' to follow suit.

Faye is delighted her Steps co-star was able to inspire BBC bosses to include an all-female dance couple.

She said: "If that set the bar or even encouraged them to do it, or even made it feel like it was possible, that's just amazing.

"I think it's really important these days that everybody is represented, and this is the beginning of things to come, so it's very exciting."

Faye finished as a runner up in the 16th series alongside her pro partner Giovanni Pernice, behind winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

Now, Faye would love the chance to sit on the 'Strictly' judging panel.

Asked if she would join the panel, she replied: "Absolutely, I'd love to do something like that! Yes is the answer!"