Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has hit back at claims Strictly has become a “box-ticking exercise” and insisted the show is “inclusive, not woke up”.
The BBC series has been criticized for portraying politically correct ‘box-ticking’ with this year’s line-up, which includes two same-sex pairings and different ages and body types, as well as former Paralympic athlete with dwarfism, Ellie Simmonds.
However, Judge Anton exclusively told The Chron’s Richard Eden that the show is simply moving with the times.
Hitting out: Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has hit back at claims.
“Strictly hasn’t woken up — it’s modern,” he said at a red carpet event.
“The show continues to be successful and reflects all of the people who watch the show. It’s inclusive and everyone contributes.
His comments echo those of deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, 27, who is deaf and won last year’s series with Giovanni Pernice.
John Whaite, 33, who reached the finale of last year’s series with Johannes Radebe as the first all-male pairing in the show’s history, also shared a video on Instagram in which he spoke about the reasons why he started an article covering the series a called disagreed ‘woke tick box exercise’.
Line-up: The BBC series has been criticized for ticking politically correct boxes with this year’s line-up, which includes two same-sex pairings and different ages and body types, plus a former Paralympic athlete with dwarfism, Ellie Simmonds (Ellie pictured with pro Nikita Kuzmin)
Taking to her Instagram stories, Rose shared a screenshot of John’s video and wrote, “Please see John’s story… Thanks for commenting on this @john_whaite.”
“Remember, if you think TV is too ‘awake’, you’ve lived your life with so much privilege that you don’t realize it. It’s a big deal for the minority.
“And please don’t compare me to Ellie [Simmonds]we both have completely different life experiences that just can’t be compared.
“Just be open to listening and learning. No disabled people are the same. I’m learning a lot myself from Ellie, who is amazing by the way!’
Criticism: Rose Ayling-Ellis and John Whaite recently hit back at claims Strictly Come Dancing has grown too “woke” to accommodate same-sex pairings and contestants with disabilities
Paralympic swimmer Ellie has achondroplasia, the leading cause of dwarfism, and previously said that “disability advocacy” at Strictly is “so important”.
In John’s video, the Great British Bake Off star hit back at comparisons between him and this year’s same-sex couple Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice.
He said: “It’s an article directly comparing my partnership with Johannes to Richie’s on BBC’s Strictly [Anderson] and Giovanni. And it also compares Ellie Simmonds on the show to Rose Ayling-Ellis last year.
“By using these comparisons, she says how awake Strictly is this year.
Partners: Rose and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice took home the Glitterball trophy during the 2021 series
Opinion: John, who reached the finale of last year’s series with Johannes Radebe as the first all-male pairing in the show’s history, spoke about the reasons he disagreed with the “woke” claims
“Please do not use my partnership with Johannes to undermine or undermine the beauty of Richie and Giovanni’s partnership.”
The article hinted that John and Johannes’ partnership felt “natural,” while Richie and Giovanni were “not a good fit.”
John also addressed the Rose and Ellie comparison, saying: “Using the Rose and Ellie comparisons, I take it that a disability is digestible when it’s not visible, but once it’s visible it’s difficult Watch.
He added: “If you think the BBC is showing this wide range of diversity and representation, if you think it’s indigestible to watch or wake up to, may I suggest you don’t watch.”
Partners: In John’s video, the Great British Bake Off star hit back at comparisons between him and this year’s same-sex couple Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice (pictured)
Meanwhile, Ellie appeared on an episode of This Morning where she spoke about representing people with disabilities.
She said: “To me, this incredible opportunity and implementation for the disability community means the world to me.
Strictly speaking you do that with people like Rose, you have Jade and Richie this year. Shows like Strictly are so strong with it.
Strictly Come Dancing 2022: who are the couples?
HELEN SKELTON AND GORKA MARQUEZ
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
Age of the star: 39
Profession: TV and radio station
Helen says: “I’m really looking forward to embarking on a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.
ELLIE SIMMONDS AND NIKITA KUZMIN
Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Guzman
Age of the star: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says, “Being asked to join the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
ELLIE TAYLOR AND JOHN RADEBE
Ellie Taylor and John Radebe
Age of the star: 38
Occupation: comedian
Ellie says, “Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
FLEUR EAST AND VITO COPPOLA
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Age of the star: 34
Profession: singer
Fleur says, “I’m equally nervous and excited to be a part of this year’s Strictly line-up. I look forward to learning new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
JAMES BYE AND AMY DOWDEN
James Bye and Amy Dowden
Age of the star: 38
Occupation: EastEnders actor
James says, “I’m not known for my flapping or sparkling toes — in fact, my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but it’s an honor to be asked and I’ll do my best.”
JAYDE ADAMS AND KAREN HAUER
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
Age of the star: 37
Occupation: comedian
Jayde says, “I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and can’t believe I manifested this.
TYLER WEST AND DIANNE BUSWELL
Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
Age of the star: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says, “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family, and I can’t wait to get some serious dancing on this shiny dance floor…with a side full of sequins.”
HAMZA YASSIN AND JOWITA PRZYSTAL
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Age of the star: 35
Profession: wildlife cameraman and moderator
Hamza says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be on Strictly 2022. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be on such a cool show.”
RICHIE ANDERSON AND GIOVANNI PERNICE
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
Age of the star: 34
Profession: radio presenter
Richie says: “This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to slip on these glitters and sequins and dance the world’s most famous dance floor!’
KYM SWAMP AND GRAZIANO DI PRIMA
Kym Marsh and Graziano di Prima
Age of the star: 46
Occupation: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says, “I’m so happy they made it this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’ll be watching from home in my pajamas and actually dancing in front of the judges in a glitter dress.
MATT GOSS AND NADIYA BYCHKOVA
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Age of the star: 53
Profession: singer
Matt says: “I was retired, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought it was time for me to come home and get out of my way.
MOLLY RAAFORD AND CARLOS GU
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
Age: 21
Profession: singer
Molly says, “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family who I’ll be sharing it with.”
WILL MELLOR AND NANCY XU
Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
Age of the star: 46
Profession: actor
Will says: “I know it’s going to be a big challenge, but that’s what life is about. It’s my mom’s favorite show too and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing it for her too. Bring it on!’
TONY ADAMS AND KATYA JONES
Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Age of the star: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the allure of the sequins and the reputation of salsa make me trade in my battered old football boots for a pair of Strictly Soft shoes.”
KAYE ADAMS AND KAI WIDDRINGTON
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdington
Age of the star: 59
Profession: TV presenter
Kaye says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties unforgettable and I can’t think of a better way than to show the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’