'Strictly Come Dancing' Praised For First Ever Individual Same Sex Dance

Strictly Come Dancing fans have heaped praise on the show for featuring its first individual same sex dance.

The BBC dance competition had pros Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima take centre stage at the weekend as as a duo as they danced to a live performance of Emeli Sande's Shine on Sunday.

While the show - which has been running for 15 years - featured a group dance with same sex parings last year, this is the same time two male dancers have danced solo in the show's history.

"Yassss to Strictly having a same sex couple dancing. Definitely a step in the right direction. #Strictly," one fan wrote in the comments.

BBC)

While another agreed: "Finally a same sex dance couple on strictly. They were wonderful #StrictlyComeDancing".

A third chipped in: "I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING #Strictly".

The performance came after Johannes emotionally finished his first year as a celebrity coach last week after his partner Catherine Tyldesley was booted from the competition.

Discussing the importance of this week's dance to him as a gay man, Johannes told Hello magazine: "I've never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am. That says so much about the people of this country."

He added: "To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous.

"There's bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement. It was beautiful, classy and elegant."

Meanwhile, Graziano gushed: "REPRESENTATION ALWAYS MATTERS. Unforgettable moment. loved to dance with you @johannesradebe @bbcstrictly".

Johannes has brought lots of firsts to Strictly, also being the first male professional to wear heels during a group routine recently.

BBC)

The move comes after ITV rival Dancing On Ice announced that it would have its first same sex couple - with 'H' from Steps taking to the rink with professional Matt Evers.

The 43-year-old pop star, who is openly gay, was said to be "fully supported" by ITV when he made the request.

American pro skater Matt, 43 - who was partnered with Gemma Collins last year - is also gay, and came out in 2018.

While Strictly is yet to cast a same-sex pairing, the BBC has said it would be open to it in future, should a celebrity be interested.

Topics: Strictly, TV News, TV Entertainment, Strictly Come Dancing

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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