CHA CHA CHEERS
Same-sex dancing partners feel love
STRICTLY’S John Whaite feels lovely bubbly after his tango on Saturday but griped the BBC’s food has made him pile on weight.
However, he still toasted his historic performance by necking champers from the bottle — vowing to get a kebab on the way home.
The Bake Off star said :“I am putting weight on because of the catering — it’s chicken, potatoes, a hunk of white bread with butter, a crouton salad and an upside down pineapple cake.”
John was warned by Gemma Atkinson, who gained half a stone during the 2017 series.
Before his routine, the 32-yearold joked: “My suit is going to be bursting at the seams.”
It comes after actress Nina Wadia dropped dress sizes due to the “gruelling” training.
John and partner Johannes Radebe received a standing ovation and a score of 30 after becoming the BBC1 show’s first same sex male coupling.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas (61) said they were “absolutely exquisite”.
A teary John said he was proud of “inspirational” Johannes (34) after the pair enjoyed champagne backstage, adding he had received “kindness, support and love” from viewers.
Comic Judi Love thanked Emma Thompson for cheering her on. It wasn’t all cheers however, as McFly’s Tom Fletcher contracted coronavirus and will have to sit out next week’s live show.
He and dance partner Amy Dowden bo th tested positive f or COVID-19, and will isolate separately for 10 days.
The BBC said in a statement last night: “While they will both miss Saturday’s live show, Strictly Come Dancing protocols mean that all being well, they will return the following week.” Tom also had to pull out of a gig in Glasgow.