We’re rooting for this perfect pairing
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY BBC/RAY BURMISTON/BBC CREATIVE
It’s a big year for the staple British competitive show Strictly Come Dancing. This instalment welcomed new hosts (Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe) as well as five new professional dancers (Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita). And after three years of no same-sex pairings, sapphic fans are delighted to see that this season has paired actor Bethany Antonia with professional dancer Nancy Xu.
The first same-sex couple to compete on the show was Nicola Adams and Katya Jones in 2020. They were followed by John Whaite and Johannes Radebe in 2021, and then both Jayde Adams and Kauren Haur and Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice in 2022. The last same-sex pairing on the show was Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin in 2023.
Suffice to say, sapphic and queer fans are delighted to see such much-needed representation this time around. Although it’s early days, Bethany and Nancy’s partnership already looks like it’s going to be a delight to watch.
Fans are already rooting for the duo to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
bethany talking about how watching nicola and katya dancing together was a huge part in her coming out journey and now she’s taking part in her favourite show in a same sex partnership and it just feels so important!!! #Strictly pic.twitter.com/8apnnhtsPk
— leah (@paradiseieah) September 19, 2026
MY WINNER MY WINNER BETHANY ANTONIA I LOVE YOU BETHANY ANTONIA !!!! pic.twitter.com/EQzz0Yp5xJ
— sam ʚїɞ (@luvfromclay) September 19, 2026
#Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing C7:- Bethany Antonia & Nancy Xuxi
— Ryan Glendenning ✨ (@RyanSoapKing25) September 19, 2026
✨ Our 7th couple of 2026 are Actress Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xuxi and I'm absolutely thrilled 👑🎉
There are not enough words in the world to describe how buzzing and emotional I am over this pairing right… pic.twitter.com/1lEXkvdpM8
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