John Whaite has proven his assist for Richie Anderson following the information that Strictly Come Dancing will embrace a 3rd same-sex partnership on this yr’s sequence.
After Nicola Adams and Katya Jones competed collectively in 2020, John was a part of Strictly’s first ever pairing made up of two males throughout final yr’s run, alongside Johannes Radebe.
The Nice British Bake Off winner proved well-liked with viewers, making all of it the way in which to the ultimate the place he and Johannes completed in second place behind champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
After the announcement that Radio 2 presenter Richie may even dance with a male skilled on this yr’s sequence, John shared a poignant assertion on his Instagram story on Saturday morning.
Man Levy/BBC by way of PA Media
“I’m so bloody happy that Strictly are doing a male-male couple once more this yr and hope it’s the case yearly any longer,” John wrote.
“It must be. As a result of queer-inclusion isn’t a box-ticking train for one sequence, it’s a basic shift within the narrative for all times.”
John went on thank Strictly’s behind-the-scenes staff for “persevering with to incorporate the outcasts” earlier than wishing “all of the love and luck” to Richie who he mentioned was “going to like each second”.
Apparently, John’s former skilled companion Johannes was additionally feeling nostalgic on the weekend, writing on his personal Instagram: “Now that Strictly rehearsals have began, I’ve been pondering again to final yr once I had the pleasure of assembly [John].
“I can’t consider it’s been a yr since John got here into my life and what a wonderful and actually particular Strictly journey we had. There have been moments throughout the present which took my breath away, together with the overwhelming assist we obtained. I can’t thank everyone sufficient for the type feedback and for taking the time to vote. It means so a lot.
“Not solely is John an incredible dancer, he’s an unbelievable good friend and I can’t think about a life with out him in it.”
He added: “Though my strictly journey with John has come to a detailed, I’m feeling the vitality and magic of the present once more and I’m wanting ahead to the following Strictly chapter and the thrill and challenges this can deliver. I can not wait, let the journey start!”
John then commented: “You bugger – you’ve made me cry into my avocado on toast… love you.”
Richie additionally wrote beneath the submit: “Icons.”
Strictly will return to our screens subsequent month, with bosses already unveiling 5 of the celebrities who’ll be collaborating.
