John Whaite has proven his assist for Richie Anderson following the information that Strictly Come Dancing will embrace a 3rd same-sex partnership on this yr’s sequence.

After Nicola Adams and Katya Jones competed collectively in 2020, John was a part of Strictly’s first ever pairing made up of two males throughout final yr’s run, alongside Johannes Radebe.

The Nice British Bake Off winner proved in style with viewers, making all of it the way in which to the ultimate the place he and Johannes completed in second place behind champions Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.

After the announcement that Radio 2 presenter Richie can even dance with a male skilled on this yr’s sequence, John shared a poignant assertion on his Instagram story on Saturday morning.

“I’m so bloody happy that Strictly are doing a male-male couple once more this yr and hope it’s the case yearly any longer,” John wrote.

“It needs to be. As a result of queer-inclusion isn’t a box-ticking train for one sequence, it’s a elementary shift within the narrative for all times.”

John went on thank Strictly’s behind-the-scenes workforce for “persevering with to incorporate the outcasts” earlier than wishing “all of the love and luck” to Richie who he stated was “going to like each second”.

Apparently, John’s former skilled accomplice Johannes was additionally feeling nostalgic on the weekend, writing on his personal Instagram: “Now that Strictly rehearsals have began, I’ve been considering again to final yr after I had the pleasure of assembly [John].

“I can’t imagine it’s been a yr since John got here into my life and what a superb and actually particular Strictly journey we had. There have been moments through the present which took my breath away, together with the overwhelming assist we obtained. I can’t thank everyone sufficient for the type feedback and for taking the time to vote. It means so a lot.

“Not solely is John an incredible dancer, he’s an unimaginable pal and I can’t think about a life with out him in it.”

He added: “Though my strictly journey with John has come to an in depth, I’m feeling the vitality and magic of the present once more and I’m wanting ahead to the subsequent Strictly chapter and the joy and challenges this can deliver. I can’t wait, let the journey start!”

John then commented: “You bugger – you’ve made me cry into my avocado on toast… love you.”

Richie additionally wrote below the put up: “Icons.”

Strictly will return to our screens subsequent month, with bosses already unveiling 5 of the celebrities who’ll be participating.