Strictly Come Dancing was a huge hit when it started in Britain four years ago and the formula has been repeated to equal success across on the world. But while most countries' versions feature traditional dances such as the foxtrot, samba, tango and jive, the Argentine show has its own racier take. The latest episode of Bailando Por Un Sueno (Dancing For A Dream) featured 32 Argentine celebrities pole-dancing with regular people.
Tango tryst: A scantily clad contestant kisses her partner while attempting a tango move While past Strictly Come Dancing contestants in Britain such as Natasha Kaplinsky and Alesha Dixon wore lycra, sequinned gowns, the Argentine contestants' outfits leave little to the imagination. The pole-dancing segment last week saw the women in PVC and lycra bikinis, PVC boots, and some brave contestants managed to venture on stage in g-strings. Meanwhile, the male dancers were covered in face paint and loin cloths and little else. The show has been going for three years and featured traditional dances, but this year producers have decided to spice things up with the pole-dancing, strip-tease and hip-hop segments.
Writhing around: A female contestant passionately throws her head back during a racy dance sequence The raunchier show stars a host of Argentine celebrities, including former Victoria's Secret model Carolina Ardohain, actress Jessica Cirio and former porn star Ilona Staller. The sexed-up series has proved to be a ratings winner and proved a welcome distraction from the country's economic problems and revolting farmers. Last week's episode of Bailando Por Un Sueno attracted over a third of the country's audience share. Luciano Lopez, an editor at Argentine news service Primiciasya.com, told Variety: 'People are looking for more entertainment after such a long time of social problems.'
Bottoms up: One strong female contestant is anything but demure as she hangs off the pole