Strictly Come Dancing’s first same-sex routine sparked almost 200 complaints to the BBC.
A performance between pro dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima on this year’s show saw a number of objections made.
The BBC has revealed 189 official complaints were received over the episode which aired earlier this month.
In 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 during the Professionals’ dance.
“They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”
Meanwhile, Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli 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. #bbcstrictly”
Following the dance, Johannes had said he felt both “liberated” and “accepted”.
“I’ve never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am,” he told Hello Magazine. “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.”
It was recently claimed Strictly could soon open its doors to same sex pairings between celebrities and pro dancers.
A source told the Daily Mirror earlier in 2019: “Bosses have said while there aren’t any same sex pairings in this series, they’d definitely be open to it, given the right combination of celebs and dancers.
“The show’s always been inclusive and reflects modern Britain.”
They added: “Having previously thought it was unnecessary, it has dawned on people at the BBC that the original British show looks a bit backwards in not having embraced the notion of a same-sex couple. ”
For now, the current series of Strictly Come Dancing continues this Saturday and Sunday night on BBC One.
This weekend will see the remaining six celebs dance for a place in the quarter-final.
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