Strictly bosses defend Nicola Adams’ same-sex pairing after Ofcom complaints

Strictly Come Dancing ’s first ever same-sex pairing has prompted a string of complaints from unimpressed fans of the BBC One show, but bosses are determined to stand their ground.

Boxer Nicola Adams 37, is set to make history by dancing with a woman on the show for the first time ever in a bid to win the infamous Glitterball trophy.

Despite the hit dance competition’s huge step forward in terms of inclusively, it hasn’t gone down well with a small minority of fans who have already complained to Ofcom ahead of Strictly’s return date.

Bosses have now released a statement following the complaints stating that the competition is an “inclusive show”.

Strictly bosses also insisted that they are “proud” to have had same-sex numbers in previous series.

The statement supporting the former Olympian read: “’ 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.”

Although the show isn’t set to start for another five weeks, a number of fans have been campaigning to ‘cancel’ the same-sex pairing before they even get a chance to make their first appearance together.

Last month, Nicola told Mirror Online that she would only agree to join the line-up if she was paired in a same-sex couple.

The boxing champion was adamant about making a change in the hit BBC dance show, and wanted to be the person to implement them and inspire.

She revealed: “I asked the show about it. 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 that we’re able to move on. I just can’t wait to get some dancing done, really.”

Delighted to be a part of such a historic TV moment, Nicola gushed: “It’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the ­entertainment industry.”

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