Strictly catfight erupts as female pro dancers battle for boxer Nicola Adams in first same-sex couple

STRICTLY’S female pros are limbering up for a rumble — as they are desperate to be part of the show’s first same-sex pairing.

Katya Jones, 31, is the frontrunner to dance with ex-boxer Nicola Adams, 37, who has demanded a female partner.

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But Oti Mabuse, 37, Janette Manrara, 36, and Karen Hauer, 38, are also said to be lobbying producers in a bid to form a knockout duo with Nicola.

A TV insider said: “The female pros know that forming Strictly’s first same-sex partnership will thrust them into the spotlight like never before.

“But they’re also thrilled by the fact Nicola is a sportswoman, because she has the discipline and fitness to deliver a sensational performance.

“She will also have the strength to do lifts during routines, not to mention the fact that she has a sensational physique which will make those routines that little bit sexier.”

The backstage manoeuvrings show how far Strictly has come since it began in 2004.

The insider said: “The fact the pros are jostling to be with Nicola is a fantastic sign of progress. When Strictly started in less accepting times 16 years ago, they may have had to give it more careful consideration.”

Nicola won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and Rio in 2016 and retired last year undefeated.

She was the first openly gay person to win Olympic gold and lives with fashion stylist Ella Baig, 21, in her home city of Leeds.

Nicola insisted that being in a same-sex duo on Strictly was non-negotiable.

She said: “They wanted to know if I wanted to be on the show and I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll do it, but I want to dance with another female’.

“It’s really important. It’s a big step for the show as well. It’s nice to see we’re able to move on. I can’t wait to get some dancing done.”

The new series, shortened from 13 to nine weeks owing to Covid restrictions, will air on BBC1 from October 24.

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