A former Strictly Come Dancing professional has opened up about the challenges of being part of the show's first same-sex pairing, wondering if it negatively impacted their career.
The dancer, who chose to remain anonymous, admitted feeling uncertain about whether their decision to support the groundbreaking pairing led to fewer opportunities in the industry. "I sometimes wonder if it was career suicide," they confessed.
The Backlash and Its Aftermath
Despite the BBC's push for inclusivity, the professional revealed facing significant backlash from certain viewers. "Not everyone was ready for it," they said. "The hate was overwhelming at times."
While many praised the move as progressive, others criticised the show for "pushing an agenda." The dancer admitted the experience left them questioning their future in the industry.
A Changing Landscape
Since that first same-sex pairing, Strictly has featured several LGBTQ+ partnerships, with most being well-received by audiences. However, the professional wonders if being the first came at a personal cost.
"I'm proud of what we did," they stated, "but I can't help but think it might have limited my opportunities afterward."
The dancer's candid reflections highlight the ongoing challenges of breaking barriers in entertainment, even on one of Britain's most beloved shows.
