'Strictly Come Dancing' star Graziano Di Prima not worried by same-sex dance complaints

Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima was unfazed by the complaints the show's first same-sex dance attracted when it was performed on the programme back in November.

Di Prima danced with Johannes Radebe in a routine that was praised by many, but certainly had its detractors as nearly 200 complaints were made to Ofcom.

"We weren’t worried about it," the 25-year-old told Attitude Magazine. "There were 200 complaints, but there were millions of people writing to us, sending us videos saying thank you and celebrating our friendship.

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"I had the chance to dance with my friend and to dance with him was the best thing. At the end of the day, you don’t need to have a female and a male to dance; as long as you love dancing. Dance is love, that’s it.

“Why should I care about 200 people? Are you kidding me? Those 200 people, you will see that in the future they will change their minds. It is such a silly thing because dancing is for everyone."

Back in November, Ofcom reported that it received 189 complaints, noting that it generally encourages those who believe they have an issue to take it up with the BBC first.

The broadcaster responded to the backlash in a statement which read: "Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance.

“They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”

The BBC contest is yet to feature a same-sex partnership as a competing couple, while rival dance show Dancing On Ice will include their first same sex pairing this year as Ian 'H' Watkins is skating with Matt Evers.