Graham Norton apologises for ‘throwaway’ Strictly comments as Nicola Adams responds
The 'Drag Race UK' judge had remarked that same-sex pairings would "muddy the waters".
Graham Norton has apologised for comments he made about same-sex couples on Strictly Come Dancing – with upcoming contestant Nicola Adams [pictured below] telling him “don’t worry about it.”
It follows an interview with Best published this week, in which the TV host said: “As you have people who can be openly gay on that show, I don’t particularly need to see a man dancing with a man.
“I understand the reason the Strictly bosses might do it is coming from a good place, but it does kind of muddy the waters for the judges.
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“If you’ve got two partners who can do lifts and men’s bodies are different shapes, how would that work?
“I don’t think it’s a homophobic thing. You want to be able to compare like with like.”
However, speaking out on Twitter last night, The Graham Norton Show host said: “Oh God. This is entirely my own fault.
“Ages ago gave a throwaway comment to a journalist who wanted me to slag off Strictly. Clever clogs remembered and now look!! So sorry. Big up @NicolaAdamsOBE and her partner!!”
Oh God. This is entirely my own fault. Ages ago gave a throwaway comment to a journalist who wanted me to slag off Strictly. Clever clogs remembered and now look!! So sorry. Big up @NicolaAdamsOBE and her partner!! https://t.co/9w03314FEU
— graham norton (@grahnort) September 30, 2020
And to people messaging me to say they agree – please stop. Everyone dancing on that show brings pure joy. Let’s all enjoy a beautiful thing.
— graham norton (@grahnort) September 30, 2020
The 57-year-old added: “And to people messaging me to say they agree – please stop. Everyone dancing on that show brings pure joy. Let’s all enjoy a beautiful thing.”
Olympian Nicola Adams and professional dancer Katya Jones will be Strictly’s first same-sex pairing when the new show airs later this autumn.
The format change led to over 200 Ofcom complaints.
Best publisher Hearst have confirmed to the BBC that the interview took place before it was announced Nicola would be part of a same-sex pairing.
Responding to Graham’s clarification, Nicola tweeted this morning: “Don’t worry about it, I’m certainly not.”
We’re glad to hear it!
@Graham don’t worry about it, I’m certainly not 😉
— Nicola Adams (@NicolaAdamsOBE) October 1, 2020
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