graham norton strictly same sex dance

Graham Norton clarifies Strictly same-sex couples comment

Nicola Adams is set to become the first celebrity to be paired with a same-sex partner

Deputy Online Editor
October 1, 2020

Graham Norton has been forced to clarify his previous comments on the need for Strictly Come Dancing to feature same-sex couples.

READ: Strictly Come Dancing 2020 - the celebrities confirmed

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!!"

WATCH: Meet this year's Strictly Come Dancing stars

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.

READ: Kevin Clifton hints regret over quitting Strictly Come Dancing

MORE: 6 Graham Norton interviews that went very wrong

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 Images

Graham 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.

MORE: Take a look inside Graham Norton's house

"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 Images

Nicola 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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