TV presenter Steph McGovern has said she is “so proud” of her Packed Lunch colleague John Whaite, who was unveiled as the fourth contestant to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2021. The 39-year-old rushed to Twitter on learning the news this morning to share her delight.
“YES!!!! Our John Whaite!!!” Steph wrote on the micro-blogging site alongside a tweet from the BBC show announcing the news.
“On @bbcstrictly this year. As part of the first all male partnership!
“So proud of you honey,” she added in view of her 414,300 followers.
John is a TV presenter and chef, who has appeared on the Channel 4 lunchtime show on many occasions.
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John, who won the third series of The Great British Bake Off, said he was both excited and nervous about starring in the ballroom dancing contest and spoke about being part of the first all-male partnership.
“I’m so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family,” he said of the news.
“I’ve been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can’t wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth.
“What’s more exciting for me, is that I’m going to be one half of the first all-male partnership, which is a great step forward in representation and inclusion.
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“Whoever it is I’m paired with, I hope they are up for a challenge as I want our routines to include lots of spectacular lifts!”
Professional dancer Graziano Di Prima is currently the bookies’ favourite to partner John in the upcoming series.
He is closely followed by Johannes Radebe, with Giovanni Pernice and Gorka Marquez also thought to be in the running.
The news was revealed this morning by Matt Lucas, who is hosting Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show during her absence this week.
Already confirmed for the 2021 line-up so far is McFly musician Tom Fletcher, actor Robert Webb and TV presenter AJ Odudu.
The latter said her mum was going to be “over the moon”.
The Peep Show star said he was “ludicrously excited,” meanwhile Tom said he was “totally terrified”.
The remaining contestants will be announced over the coming days.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in the Autumn.
