Strictly Come Dancing has faced over 100 Ofcom complaints from viewers after the show announced its first ever same-sex coupling.
Ex-Olympian Nicola Adams, 37, requested to be partnered with a woman on the BBC show, and Strictly execs agreed to the move branding their show as “inclusive”.
However a minority of viewers weren’t happy with the news and complained to Ofcom ahead of the show’s return date.
The complaints have prompted bosses of the dancing competition to support the boxer, who is competing in the upcoming series.
Bosses released a statement following the complaints stating that the competition is “inclusive” and they are “proud” to have had same-sex partners in previous series.
Nicola has requested the first ever same-sex coupling on the BBC show (Image: Getty Images)
The statement 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 star is dating Ella Baig (Image: Getty Images)
The statement concluded: “The show is first and foremost about dance, the sex of each partner within a coupling should have no bearing on their routine.”
Strictly is not meant to start for another five weeks, but fans have already decided to “cancel” Nicola and her dancing partner before they’ve had a chance to compete together.
Nicola told Mirror Online she would only join the line-up if bosses paired her in a same-sex couple.
She reportedly requested to wear a suit with trousers on the competition (Image: ITV)
She was determined to make history on the competition, by requesting the partnership change in the hopes to inspire the show to consider more same-sex couples in future.
The star exclaimed: “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.”
Nicola was proud to be part of such a historic telly moment, adding: “It’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
