Olympic boxer to compete in Strictly Come Dancing’s first same-sex couple

Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams is to compete on Strictly Come Dancing as part of the show’s first same-sex couple.

Nicola Adams is the sixth celebrity contestant confirmed for the brand new series of Strictly Come Dancing

The sportswoman was the sixth celebrity to be officially confirmed for the new series of the BBC One show.

The 37-year-old joins previously announced contestants Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, singer Max George, Jonathan Creek actress Caroline Quentin and former NFL player Jason Bell.

She said: “I’m really excited to be joining this year’s incredible line-up for Strictly Come Dancing. I’m a huge fan of the show and am thrilled to be part of something that holds such a special place in so many people’s hearts.

“People might know me from work in the ring, but I’ll be every bit as passionate and dedicated on the dance floor too.

“I also wanted to thank the BBC for supporting me and making me the first ever all female-pairing, and it’s amazing to be a part of the movement for change, diversity and breaking boundaries in the entertainment industry.”

The news was announced on BBC Breakfast, where Adams appeared via video call from Greece.

Asked whether she approached the show about being part of a same-sex pairing, she said: “I asked the show about it. They wanted to know if I wanted to be on the show, but I said ‘yeah, I will do it, but I want to dance with another female dance partner’.

“I know it’s going to be tough, I know the training is going to be hard and I can’t dance at all, so this is going to be a totally new challenge for me.”

She also promised she would return to the UK in time for training despite fears that Greece could be added to the UK’s two-week quarantine list.

Adams, who won gold at both the London 2012 Olympics and Rio 2016, is dating Ella Baig and has been praised as an LGBT role model.

Earlier yesterday, Singh, 43, confirmed she would be taking part.

She said: “The initial feeling of being confirmed for Strictly is one of complete terror – feels like embarking on a rollercoaster.”