Strictly’s Bruno Tonioli says he’s ‘really upset’ by viewer complaints about the same-sex dance routine
STRICTLY judge Bruno Tonioli says he’s "really upset" by viewer complaints about the same-sex dance routine.
The BBC was flooded with nearly 200 complaints as some fans reported it was "offensive".
Strictly's Bruno was almost left speechless by the report, before telling followers: "It's hard to believe after such progress in society and many other topics going on that over 200 people felt so upset they complained when 2 men danced with each other.
"I just don't know what to say... Very sad."
The BBC reported that 189 people objected that it was "offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair" after Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima performed together on the show.
The barefoot pair took to the dance floor during Emeli Sande's performance in the results show on November 3 this year.
It was the first time in TV history that two men were seen dancing together.
They did spins, lifts, and even gymnastics as they held hands and beamed at one another, alongside Luba Mushtuk and Aljaž Skorjanec.
Strictly broadcasted the special moment after Dancing on Ice announced plans for the first ever same-sex pairing in 2020.
Pro skater Matt Evers and Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins will be partnered up in the next series, but were beaten to the momentous TV moment by Strictly.
The move got a warm reception on Twitter, with one fan writing: "Johannes dancing with Graziano is beautiful and more more more same sex partnerships please."
Another said that the landmark moment had moved them to tears.
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The complaint over the same-sex dances was revealed as the BBC published its run-down of complaints, which was mainly concerned with accusations of political bias.
It received more complaints than an episode of Have I Got News For You that 140 viewers felt was biased against the Conservative party or Brexit.