Graham Norton has been forced to clarify his previous comments on the need for Strictly Come Dancing to feature same-sex couples.
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Sharing a link to an article on Twitter, the chat show host quickly apologised as he explained it was "just a throwaway" remark - and that he was very much looking forward to seeing Nicola Adams make Strictly history.
"Oh God. This is entirely my own fault," he tweeted on Wednesday evening. "Ages ago gave a throwaway comment to a journalist who wanted me to [explicit] off Strictly. Clever clogs remembered and now look!! So sorry. Big up @NicolaAdamsOBE and her partner!!"
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Former Olympic boxer Nicola is set to become the first celebrity to be paired with a same-sex partner on Strictly when the show returns later this month.
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In a previous interview, which took place before Strictly made the announcement, Graham claimed the show's judges would not be able to "compare like with like".
© Photo: Getty ImagesGraham Norton has defended himself
"It does kind of muddy the waters for the judges," he told Best magazine. "As you have people who can be openly gay on that show, I don't particularly need to see a man dancing with a man.
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"I understand the reason the Strictly bosses might do it is coming from a good place, but it does kind of muddy the waters for the judges," he added.
After it was confirmed that Nicola would be placed in Strictly's first ever all-female pairing, she said: "People might know me from work in the ring, but I'll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance-floor too.
© Photo: Getty ImagesNicola Adams is set to make Strictly history
"I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing; and it's amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry."
Appearing on BBC Breakfast moments later, the double-gold medal winner explained how the same-sex partnership came about: "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.'" Nicola added: "It's really important, it's a big step for the show, it's nice to see that we're able to move on, and I just can't wait to get some dancing done."
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