Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Nicola needs to cha-cha-change
Strictly fans want romantic moves
STRICTLY’S first same-sex dance partners Nicola Adams and Katya Jones scraped through last night as some fans called on them to stop dancing as “gal pals” and go for “sizzling” romantic routines.
Boxer Nicola and Katya have so far performed a cheery quickstep, an edgy hip-hop routine and a fun jive, which landed them in the bottom two at the weekend.
They kept their place in the competition, ahead of American footballer Jason Bell, who left after scoring just 12 for his paso doble.
Some of the LGBTQ community have been disappointed by the lack of sexual chemistry displayed between Nicola, 38, and Katya, 31.
Alan Palmer, chair of gay rights group LGBTQHERO, said: “Disappointed that once again we’re not seeing Nicola and Katya in hold doing a romantic dance.”
Former Strictly professional James Jordan said their jive to Greased Lightnin’, which scored 19, was underwhelming. He said: “Way too much side-by-side and
JOLLY Katya & Nicola’s jive routine not enough partnering.” Viewer Hannah Buncha said: “I wanna see Katya and Nicola do something overtly romantic.
“I want them to do a dance that cannot be misconstrued as gals being pals.” Chloe Blows agreed: “So sad how there’s almost a deliberate lack of touching.” Lesbian magazine Women Like Us said: “Clever to have Nicola and Katya dancing like gal pals early in the Strictly season, get the public onside then swoop with a sizzling tango. I hope that’s the plan?” Journalist and Strictly fan Sophie Wilkinson dubbed their Couple’s Choice dance last weekend as “neutered”. Broadcaster Julia Raeside agreed: “I want them to step out of the ‘we are mates, aren’t we, mate?’ choreography and do properly partnered, romantic dancing.” After losing the dance-off last night, Jason, 42, thanked his partner Luba Mushtuk, 30, and said: “I had so much fun.”
Disappointed that once again we’re not seeing Nicola and Katya doing a romantic dance ALAN PALMER CHAIR OF LGBTQHERO