Strictly Come Dancing viewers have hailed the programme as ‘iconic’ and claimed that they have hit back at their same-sex dance routine critics in the best way.
At the beginning of the programme, viewers were treated to a group dance which saw pros Anton du Beke and Kevin Clifton sing a Hello Dolly number during the opening performance.
During the performance judge Craig appeared dressed in drag and fans have suggested that it was the show’s way of hitting back at complaints over the same-sex dance between Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima earlier in the series.
Amazing! Strictly Come Dancing viewers have hailed the programme as ‘iconic’ and claimed that they have hit back at their same-sex dance routine critics in the best way
After their sensational routine the BBC garnered almost 200 complaints from viewers who were offended by the male pairing.
However following Craig’s performance this week, fans went wild and took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the show’s LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Hailing their decision, one viewer penned: ‘Say what you want about Strictly… they got hundreds of complaints about two men dancing together last week and now they’ve got Craig Revel Horwood singing in drag. I-F******-CONIC.’
A second penned: ‘Michelle Voguing for the LGBTQ+ community, Bruno opening the show with pink feathers and now Craig in full drag – #Strictly said F*** HOMOPHOBIA and I am HERE FOR IT and EMOTIONAL!!!’
One fan wrote: Craig in drag might be the best thing ever! Wonder how many complaints that will get! #StrictlyComeDancing #f***them.’
Another said: ‘I am living for this BBC level of Petty. A few complaints about two men dancing together and suddenly we have men in heels.
‘Bruno opening the show with more male dancing, Michelle doing an iconic dance for the LGBTQ movement and Craig in drag #Quality #StrictlyComeDancing.’
Reaction: However following Craig’s performance this week, fans went wild and took to Twitter to show their appreciation for the show’s LGBTQ+ inclusivity
While a third wrote: ‘Strictly’s response to complaints about two men dancing together? Put Craig Revel Horwood in drag during a massive jazz hands Hello Dolly number. TAKE A BOW. #StrictlyComeDancing.’
Another simply said: ‘LIVING for Craig Revel Horwood in drag. FAB-U-LOUS.’
Johannes and Graziano’s performance was an incredible moment for Strictly Come Dancing, which saw it embrace and celebrate its LGBTQ+ audience.
But the show’s first same-sex couple dance garnered almost 200 complaints to the BBC, it was revealed last week.
According to the channel, the most complaints they received this month was about their dance, as 189 viewers protested to the routine.
In a statement responding to the complaints, the BBC said: ‘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.’
Supportive: In a statement response, the BBC said: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano’
Following the dance, Johannes admitted he felt ‘liberated’ and honoured to perform with his best friend in the show’s first all-male routine as he told Hello! Magazine that it made him feel truly ‘accepted’.
Of the groundbreaking routine, he said: ‘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.’
The professional dancers left fans of the show in awe as they gracefully danced together alongside Aljaž Škorjanec, 29, Lyuba Mushtuk, 29, while Emeli Sande, 32, belted out her latest single.
The BBC One competition has regularly faced calls to introduce same-sex dance pairings for several years now.
While there are still yet to be any on the competitive side of the show, we have seen some from the professional dancers.
In 2018 Pasha Kovalev, 39, and AJ Pritchard, 24, made history as they danced together during a group routine.
