John Whaite throws support behind transgender representation on Strictly: ‘Anyone can dance with anyone’

John and Johannes performed some beautiful routines on Strictly (Picture: PA / Instagram @john_whaite)

Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite has said the latest series has proved ‘anyone can dance with anyone’ after being asked if he believed viewers would see a transgender contestant on the show in the future.

John, 32, was partnered up with professional Johannes Radebe, 34, as the first all-male competing couple in Strictly. 

This series was praised by many fans for its representation, with Rose Ayling-Ellis winning the show after becoming the first-ever Deaf contestant to take part.

Now, former Bake Off winner John has called for the show to sign-up a transgender star in a future series. 

Speaking on an Instagram live on Christmas Day, the star was asked by a fan whether he thought the show would do so.

He replied: ’I bl**dy hope so, why wouldn’t a trans person be able to dance on Strictly?’ 

John Whaite made it to the final of Strictly 2021 (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)

John quickly went on to add: ‘Apart from transphobia…’

Touching on the diversity of the latest series, he added: ‘Anyone can dance with anyone, I think this year has proven that on Strictly.

‘We’ve had a beautiful Deaf girl, a gay couple, beautiful racial diversity, anyone can dance with anyone!’

This year saw Rose win in a stunning grand finale – despite not being able to hear any of the music – after being paired with Giovanni Pernice.

‘I sincerely do hope that they have trans inclusion on Strictly as well,’ he concluded.

John treated fans to an Instagram live on Christmas Day (Picture: Instagram @john_whaite)

Craig Revel Horwood, 56, recently made similar comments, with the Strictly judge believing the show can do more after introducing same-sex pairings.

He told Fubar Radio’s Bobby Norris on Access All Areas earlier this mont: ‘We could go down the transgender route.

‘I think dance is a platform for anybody no matter who you are or where you’re from.’

Boxer Nicola Adams made history as the first same-sex pairing in 2020 with professional dancer Katya Jones.

More: Strictly Come Dancing

‘Humans have been dancing since the cavemen were dancing around fires for fertility and rain.

‘We’re social, we like dancing, we like celebrating and I think it’s time to do that,’ Craig added.

Strictly Come Dancing can be streamed on BBC iPlayer in full.

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