Strictly Come Dancing viewers were treated last Saturday to a deeply moving semi-finals performance by the show’s first all-male team, John Whaite (winner of season 3 of the Great British Bake Off) and pro dancer Johannes Radebe.
The duo performed a stunning Couple’s Choice routine to Adele’s “Hometown Glory” inspired by their own experiences struggling with coming out.
I realize I’m tardy in posting this with tonight’s finals show, but I wanted to make sure I shared the gorgeous performance.
Before hitting the dance floor, the duo had a message for the viewers at home who might not be ready to be as out and proud as them.
“To the people who perhaps feel a bit afraid in life,” said Waite. “I want those people to know that it gets better.”
"To the people who perhaps feel a bit afraid in life, I want those people to know that it gets better"
💖 All our hearts are with you on the dance floor tonight, John and Johannes #Strictly @jojo_radebe pic.twitter.com/RV9XQtx6qF
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 11, 2021
Whaite also shared that the first person he ever came out to was a teacher when he was 14. The teacher outed him to his family “which I wasn’t ready for.”
Fortunately, his family was supportive and rock solid.
“It just reminds me of how much we needed that when we were little and it was never there. 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.”
“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.”
Here’s the full performance:
Related: Nyle DiMarco Wins Dancing With The Stars
The dance propelled the men into tonight’s finals where…
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….the duo came in second to the team of actress Rose Ayling-Ellis (Eastenders) and Giovanni Pernice.
Not only did Rose & Giovanni dance beautifully (garnering the first perfect score of the season) but Ayling-Ellis made Strictly history as the competition’s first deaf contestant.
In true form, John & Johannes were bright lights and gracious as runners-up.
"You are so amazing, to push me to believe in myself more than I believe in myself."
They've made #Strictly history and had such an incredible journey. This win couldn't mean more to Rose and Giovanni 💖@RoseAylingEllis @pernicegiovann1 pic.twitter.com/5mNnsaKO6R
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 18, 2021
Our amazing runners up John and Johannes want to say to a HUGE thank you for all of your support 💕 #Strictly@jojo_radebe pic.twitter.com/eabIz3zjZy
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 18, 2021