FROCK & ROLL
Strictly viewers are divided on men in drag Fans hail ‘fab’ show but others switch off
STRICTLY Come Dancing’s opening number featuring men in drag split audience opinion like never before.
Some fans threatened to boycott the show while others hailed Saturday night’s routine as the best group dance in the programme’s history.
BBC bosses were proud of the dance, inspired by Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which kicked off musicals week.
Former Strictly professional James Jordan, 42, who is married to ex-pro Ola, waded into the row.
He said: “I have to say I’m glad I never had to dance in a pro dance like that. I’m sure many of you enjoyed it, which is fine, just not my style.”
One viewer said: “James was a professional dancer on the campest show on TV. If he can’t handle a costume then he shouldn’t be a dancer.” Current pro Johannes Radebe said he hoped that it had cheered people up. “Just what we all need,” he said. “This was done with you all in mind.”
But some fans vowed to boycott the show after Johannes, 33, emerged in a sparkly silver mini- dress, make-up and high heels in homage to Priscilla, the hit film and stage musical about a drag act in Australia.
One said: “Used to be a family show. Will stop watching.” Others branded it disgusting while another said it wasn’t “proper ballroom dancing”.
But the routine, which also featured Gorka Marquez and Graziano Di Prima in dresses and heels, proved a hit with some. One viewer said: “Gorka as a woman... stunning! My favourite Strictly dance ever.” Another added: “It did not matter one iota that it was men – fabulous.”
A show insider said: “The boys loved doing it. Last year Karim dressed up as a panda and Stacey was a minion.
“If people can be an animal or cartoon on the show, what’s the difference putting on heels and make-up to do drag?”
I’m glad I never had to dance in a pro dance like that.. not my style
JAMES JORDAN ON THE STRICTLY PRISCILLA DANCE
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