Bethany Antonia and Nancy Xu have danced their way into our hearts, offering up vital representation along the way
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE BY GAN LEVY/BBC
For the last seven weeks, actor Bethany Antonia and professional dancer Nancy Xu have given it their all on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, and they’ve made us feel every emotion while doing it. So, when the perfect pairing was eliminated yesterday (8 November), it’s no surprise that fans were left shocked, confused and devastated.
On Saturday, the House Of The Dragon star and pro dancer delivered an emotive foxtrot to Leona Lewis’ Bleeding Love. It was a spellbinding performance that fans were sure would’ve secured their place through to the next week of dances. Unfortunately, the duo found themselves in the dance off again – this time dancing for survival against TV personality Cach Mercer and his pro partner Maddie Ingoldsby.
The judges were torn on who to save. Anton Du Beke voted to save Cach and Maddie, while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse chose Bethany and Nancy. Head judge Shirley was given the deciding vote, and opted to save Cach and Maddie, sadly bringing Bethany and Nancy’s Strictly journey to an end. Many viewers have since taken to social media to express their disappointment in the results. It’s arguably been the most controversial elimination of the season to date.
Speaking to host Emma Willis, a tearful Bethany reflected on how she’s had “the most amazing time”. “To go out on this dance and to feel the magic of getting to do that kind of routine and what it means and what it stands for just means everything to me,” she said.
“You have brought out a side of me that I didn’t think I would ever get to see,” she told Nancy. “I’m gonna miss you so much. I am so grateful for everything you’ve taught me.”
Nancy praised her celeb partner for how she “took all criticism on board” and also “showed no fear”.
Bethany and Nancy’s partnership marked the competition’s first same-sex pairing in three years. It was powerful for sapphic fans to get the chance to see two women of colour dancing together week after week. This overdue representation sparked joy for many.
Their dancing journey started with an epic House Of The Dragon-themed quickstep. Since then, they excited sapphic musical fans with their Paso Doble to Wicked: For Good, they performed a joyfully romantic American Smooth to Love Song, they channelled Aretha Franklin for their Cha Cha in Icons Week, they made lesbians swoon with their passionate Argentine Tango to All The Things She Said, and they offered up an iconic Jive for Halloween Week.
Suffice to say, Bethany and Nancy have had an incredible dancing journey. They offered up much-needed representation while also delivering exceptional performances. They will be missed, but we will always be grateful for this perfect pairing. Thank you, Bethany and Nancy, for all that you have done.
Love media made by and for LGBTQIA+ women and gender diverse people? Then you’ll love DIVA. We’ve been spotlighting the community for over 30 years. Here’s how you can get behind queer media and keep us going for another generation: linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine
Did you know that DIVA has now become a charity? Our magazine is published by the DIVA Charitable Trust. You can find out more about the organisation and how you can offer your support here: divacharitabletrust.com
