Strictly Come Dancing fans were left tearful again by John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, the first-ever gay couple to dance on the series. In the semi-final, their Couple’s Choice dance was to Adele’s Hometown Glory.
While the dance itself was “stunningly beautiful” according to head judge – and ally – Shirley Ballas, the pair’s reasoning for their choice was what had viewers reaching for the tissues.
“To the people who perhaps feel a bit afraid in life,” said the Great British Bake Off winner, “I want those people to know that it gets better.”
Whaite then explained how his coming out came from a teacher who outed him to parents at just 14-years-old. Thankfully Whaite’s parents were appecting.
“It just reminds me of how much we needed that when we were little and it was never there,” he continued.
“I grew up with a great deal of shame and I think if I’d seen two men dancing together on television it would have changed my life.”
He added: “I want to dedicate our couple’s choice dance to the people who perhaps feel a bit afraid in life and I want those people to know it gets better, believe me.”
