Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor has spoken out against what he describes as "disappointing" criticism directed at the show's pioneering same-sex couples, revealing the profound emotional impact such comments have on the dancers involved.
The Personal Toll of Public Criticism
In an emotional revelation, Windsor confessed that seeing negative reactions to same-sex pairings on the hit BBC show left him feeling "quite sad." The professional dancer, who appeared on Strictly between 2010 and 2013, emphasized that performers already face immense pressure without additional scrutiny over their choice of dance partner.
"The dancers just want to go out there and do what they do best," Windsor explained during his appearance on GB News. "They want to entertain the public, and they want to get the best out of their celebrities."
A Changing Landscape in Dance
Strictly Come Dancing made television history in 2020 with its first male same-sex pairing between boxer Nicola Adams and professional Katya Jones. The show has continued to feature same-sex couples in subsequent seasons, including gold medal-winning Paralympian Ellie Simmonds dancing with Nikita Kuzmin.
Windsor, who now stars in stage show Come What May, expressed his frustration that such partnerships still generate controversy. "It's 2023," he stated emphatically. "Love is love, dance is dance. It shouldn't matter whether you're dancing with someone of the same sex or the opposite sex."
The Professional Perspective
The dancer offered insight into the practical considerations behind partnership choices, noting that physical compatibility often outweighs gender in professional dance. "Sometimes the height, the build, the energy just matches better with a same-sex partner," Windsor explained. "It's about creating the best possible performance, not making a political statement."
He praised the BBC for their progressive approach to representation, suggesting that the entertainment industry has a responsibility to reflect modern society in all its diversity.
Looking Toward the Future
Despite the criticism, Windsor remains optimistic about changing attitudes within the dance community and beyond. "Every time we see a new same-sex couple on Strictly, it becomes a little more normalised," he observed. "That's how progress happens - one dance at a time."
The dancer concluded with a powerful message to critics: "If you don't like it, you don't have to watch. But don't try to take away opportunities for others to see themselves represented on one of Britain's most beloved shows."
