Ex-boxer Nicola Adams is set to make Strictly Coming Dancing history
The Olympian is going to be the first celebrity to have a same-sex partner on the ultra-popular BBC Saturday night entertainment show.
Strictly had previously featured a one-ff routine with two male dancers, when professionals Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima performed a routine to ‘Shine’ by Emeli Sande last year – but Adams and her partner will be the first same-sex duo to take part in the competition proper.
“I think it’s really important,” Adams told BBC Breakfast, “It’s definitely time for change.”
“It’s definitely time to move on and be more diverse, and this is a brilliant step in the right direction.”
“It will be nice for the LGBT community to be able to see there are same-sex couples on the show as well.”
“It’s really important, it’s a big step for the show”
Newly revealed #Strictly contestant Nicola Adams tells #BBCBreakfast she’s can’t wait to start dancing as part of the show’s first same-sex couple ✨⤵️ pic.twitter.com/VXI9ljSxky— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) September 2, 2020
Her dance partner has not yet been revealed. She said she did not mind who she danced with, only telling BBC Breakfast she hoped for “somebody who’s maybe a little bit on the short side because I’m a little bit small.”
Other celebrities announced for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing include radio DJ Clara Amfo, singer Max George from The Wanted, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, actor Caroline Quentin and former NFL star Jason Bell.
Nicola Adams won gold medals at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games. After six professional fights, she retired from boxing in 2019 due to issues with her eyesight.
