Bruno Tonioli: Strictly judge slams same-sex dance backlash ‘Very sad’
Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli has hit back at the complaints made against the BBC after it aired a same-sex dance on Strictly Come Dancing. He called the complaints ‘very sad’ as he addressed the issue on social media.
Bruno revealed that he finds the news “very sad” on Twitter.
The dance judge, 63, said he struggled to understand the complaints in this day and age.
He tweeted: “It’s hard to believe after such progress in society and many other topics going on that over 200 people felt so upset they complained when 2 men danced with each other… I just don’t know what to say… Very sad.”
On November 3, Strictly featured a same sex dance with professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima.
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Despite being well received by many viewers, 189 complaints were made to the BBC with some stating that the dance routine was “offensive”.
The BBC responded to the statement with: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance.
“They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”
Johannes said to Hello! Magazine that he had never felt so “liberated” during the dance.
He told the magazine: “I’ve never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am.
“That says so much about the people of this country. To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous.
“There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement. It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”
In August it was hinted that Strictly Come Dancing may have a same-sex couple next year.
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The BBC confirmed that it was “completely open” to the concept, after previously stating it had “no plans” for a same sex coupling.
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has said he would like to see it happen.
He said: “I have no argument against it. I think it would be rather fun.
“Maybe the BBC will be brave enough one day to do it.”
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One of Strictly’s biggest rivals, ITV’s Dancing on Ice, is set to feature its first ever same sex couple.
Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins is teamed up with professional skate player Matt Evers for the upcoming 2020 series.
Ian reportedly requested to being paired with a male partner, and the ITV team were apparently “fully supportive”.
Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday at 7.00pm on BBC One.
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