Strictly Come Dancing is back and one Lancashire contestant has spoken out about how it felt to make history on the show as the first all-male pairing.
Holding back tears, Chorley-born John Whaite posted a series of Instagram stories the day after his first dance aired on Saturday night (25 September).
John, who grew up on a dairy farm in Wrightington, said: “I can’t talk for too long because I will cry.
“Thank you for all of the messages, kindness, support and love. I’m so happy that we managed to do what we did last night and that for some people it will make a difference.
“I can’t reply to all the messages – sorry that sounds really rude but it will take me a year.
“But I am trying to read them all.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
32-year-old John is partnered with professional dancer, Johannes Radebe.
A moment to change it all. Such power in this Tango from John and Johannes @jojo_radebe #Strictly pic.twitter.com/pYAVNzEe5D
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 25, 2021
On Saturday they came third on the leader board, scoring an impressive 30/40 for their tango – just four points behind the episode’s frontrunners, AJ Odudu and Kai Widdrington.
- READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing: John Thwaite opens up about same sex pairing
- READ MORE: Blackburn's AJ Odudu wows judges with stunning Jive on Strictly
The judges were delighted with the performance, with Craig Revel-Horwood saying he “loved it”.
Shirley Ballas added: "I feel this is a testimony to the same sex couple, it was absolutely exquisite, to go from a leader to being lead, beautiful choreography, it was absolutely stunning - well done."
In a social media post, Johannes said he was “thrilled” about Saturday night’s show and was “chuffed” for John and his impressive score.
His teaching coach wasn’t the only person with a lot of praise, as social media was also flooded with support for the duo.
Steve Chalke said: “Another step (well this time a whole dance) towards LGBT+ equality!
“Strictly's first male same-sex couple - John Whaite, Johannes Radebe and their groundbreaking debut dance!”
Another step (well this time a whole dance) towards LGBT+ equality! Strictly's first male same-sex couple - John Whaite, Johannes Radebe and their groundbreaking debut dance! pic.twitter.com/afKLu0uXma
— Steve Chalke (@SteveChalke) September 27, 2021
Another wrote: “I hoped your dance would be pitched respectfully and it was!
“Visibility matters! I hope and pray a kid like I was saw you two and feels that they can achieve and be successful!”
Gillian wrote: “If you watched @bbcstrictly on Saturday you'll know how awesome these two guys dance routine was… well done.
“Can't wait to see what magic you make next week.”
John and Johannes performed the dance to Blue Monday by New Order for their opening dance.
Speaking on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch before the episode aired, John said: “It’s a beautiful dance and I just don’t want to let [Johannes] down.
“It gives me shivers just talking about it.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs every saturday on BBC One at 7pm.
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