BBC bosses have responded after receiving complaints about the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing.

The next series is due to start very soon, with Nicola Adams, Jamie Laing, Ranvir Singh and Clara Amfo among those taking part.

It was recently announced that boxer Nicola would be part of a same-sex dancing partnership – something many were delighted by.

However, bosses have confirmed there have been more than 100 complaints ‘from some viewers’ about the decision.

Addressing the messages, the corporation said in a statement: ‘Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have featured same sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.

‘We have stated, in the past, that we are open to the prospect of including same sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers, should the opportunity arise.

‘Nicola Adams requested an all-female pairing, which we are happy to facilitate. 

‘The show is first and foremost about dance, the sex of each partner within a coupling should have no bearing on their routine.’

Nicola announced she would be competing for the iconic Glitterball recently, making history in the process.

Discussing the move, the 37-year-old branded it a ‘big step’ for the BBC One show.

‘I have told probably three people, so not that many people knew I was going to be in this,’ she said. ‘I was keeping it a secret. 

‘It’s really important. It’s a big step for the show and it’s nice to see that we are able to move on. I just can’t wait to get some dancing done.’

Discussing her potential partners, she continued: ‘I asked the show about it. 

‘They wanted to know if I wanted to be on the show but I said, “Yeah, I will do it but I want to dance with another female dance partner.”

‘I know it’s going to be tough, I know the training is going to be hard and I can’t dance at all so this is going to be a totally new challenge for me.’

We know she’ll smash it.

While Nicola’s partner has yet to be announced, Katya Jones has thrown her hat into the ring.

‘Katya has been telling everyone on the show how keen she is to be paired with Nicola,’ a source recently told The Sun. ‘She’s a huge believer in girl power and thinks they’d make a great team and be a hit with the viewers at home.

‘She sees it as a chance to make history but also to redeem herself on the show after her scandal two years ago.’ 

They added: ‘She’s a real girls’ girl and is keen to move on from that. Equally, show bosses know that Katya will have everyone talking about her and Nicola if they partner them together.’

Strictly Come Dancing is set to air on BBC One later this year.

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