September 23rd 2024.
The premiere episode of the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing was everything we could have hoped for and more. It had all the entertainment that has kept us coming back year after year. As a die-hard fan, I can admit that only a handful of performances have actually moved me to tears. Surprisingly, I've probably cried more watching episodes of Come Dine With Me than I have watching Strictly. However, there have been a few standout moments that have truly touched my heart.
One such moment was when Caroline Flack danced like an angel during her show-stopping show dance in the 2014 Strictly final. It was a breathtaking performance that brought me to tears. And then, in 2021, we witnessed another emotional moment when deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice danced in complete silence. But perhaps the most groundbreaking moment for me was when John Whaite and Johannes Radebe took the stage as the show's first ever male pairing. I couldn't help but sob as I watched these two talented dancers make history.
However, it's important to note that John and Johannes were not actually the first same-sex pairing on Strictly. The previous year, Nicola Adams made history as the show's first celebrity to be in a same-sex pairing with Katya Jones. It was a pivotal moment not just for Strictly, but for the entire LGBTQ+ community who had been calling for representation on the show for years.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I have rooted for each and every one of these same-sex pairings. It's been amazing to see the community represented on primetime television and it has been long overdue. However, this year, for the show's 20th anniversary, there is no same-sex pairing in sight. And surprisingly, I think that's a good thing.
This current season of Strictly is perhaps the most important one in its 20-year history. It's been marred by controversy, with accusations of bullying and a pro dancer being fired. Just two months ago, it seemed unlikely that the show would even be able to continue. But now, it's back and it's better than ever.
Initially, I was disappointed when I realized there would be no same-sex pairing this year. But upon further reflection, I believe that this decision could be a step forward for the show. I don't want the BBC to include same-sex pairings as an obligation anymore. It was necessary for them to do so in 2020, but now it should be about choosing the best dancers regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Representation has never been more important, and since the introduction of same-sex pairings on Strictly, it's been great to see the LGBTQ+ community represented on television. But now, it's time for the show to move forward and not feel obligated to include a same-sex pairing every year. And when the time comes for another same-sex pairing, it will be because they deserve to be there and not just to appease the viewers or avoid backlash.
As a fan, I wondered if I would miss having a same-sex pairing to root for this year. And while I did feel a twinge of disappointment, I was quickly swept away by the other meaningful representation on the show. Tasha Ghouri's Cha Cha was sensational and comedian Chris McCausland's performance was nothing short of a miracle. As the show continues, I believe we will see even more groundbreaking moments and representation that will make us proud.
Despite all the challenges and controversies, Strictly is back and better than ever. The first episode was filled with the same entertainment that we have come to expect from the show. And while there may not be a same-sex pairing this year, I have no doubt that in the future, we will see many more same-sex pairings and moments that will continue to push boundaries and make history.
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