Israel’s version of Strictly Come Dancing is to feature a same-sex dancing couple, the first in 35 versions of the show around the world.

The Israeli version of the BBC dance show will feature Gili Shem Tov, a gay female TV sports personality.

She will dance with professional dancer Dorit Milman – who is straight - on the Channel 2 show, with the women sharing who takes the role of the male lead in the dance steps.

Producers said it had been Ms Tov’s decision to dance with another woman.

She said in a statement: “I have realised that dance is about co-ordination and energy between two people, whether female or male.

“The challenge to dance with a woman in a public contest interested me because it’s unique and has never been done before.

“Because I share my life with a woman and have a family with her, to me this is the most natural thing to do.”

Former Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson will be a guest judge on the show.