BBC defends Strictly’s first same-sex pairing as more than 100 people complain before the show’s even launched
STRICTLY'S first ever same-sex partnership has sparked more than 100 complaints - even though the show hasn't started yet.
Olympic boxing champ Nicola Adams, 37, will be paired up with a female pro when the show begins next month.
But it has proved too much for a minority of viewers who have voiced their objections to the BBC.
The Corporation has defended Strictly's decision to follow in the footsteps of Dancing On Ice and introduce a same-sex partnership.
A spokesman said: "Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have featured same sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.
"We have stated, in the past, that we are open to the prospect of including same sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers, should the opportunity arise.
"Nicola Adams requested an all-female pairing, which we are happy to facilitate. The show is first and foremost about dance, the sex of each partner within a coupling should have no bearing on their routine."
The number of complaints is close to the amount received last year when Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima performed the first same-sex routine in the show's history.
On that occasion 189 viewers objected to the landmark moment.
Meanwhile Nicola has revealed she will be the first female contestant not to wear a dress on Strictly.
The athlete has asked to take to the dance floor in trouser suits when she stars on the show.
A source told The Sun: “Anyone who knows Nicola will be aware that her wardrobe consists of jeans and trousers so it would be really unnatural for her to wear a dress.
"As far as the Strictly bosses are concerned, it’s a personal choice and they want her to feel comfortable taking part.
“The costume department is famous for pulling out all the stops and thinking outside the box.
“They’ve got lots of ideas for themes and will be sure to incorporate some sparkle into her trouser suits.
“Nicola knows sequins come as part of the Strictly package.
"She is more than grateful that the producers are making her feel relaxed.”
Nicola, who is dating model Ella Baig, 22, revealed earlier this month that she insisted on being paired with a female pro.
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.’
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“It’s really important, and it’s a big step for the show as well.
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“It’s nice to see that we’re able to move on.
"I just can’t wait to get some dancing done.”
