John Whaite has been confirmed for 'Strictly Come Dancing' - and he will make history by being part of the show's first-ever all-male partnership.
John Whaite
The former 'Great British Bake Off' winner - who triumphed in 2012's third series of the baking show - is delighted to be representing the LGBTQ+ community on the dance floor, and he hopes being part of the programme's first all-male partnership will help and inspire younger viewers.
He said: "It's an honour. When they asked me if I'd be interested I just bit their hand off.
"Because to do that and represent the LGBTQ+ community is one thing, but also just to see two men or two women dancing together it's not just about sexuality, it's about intimacy and respect.
"I think that's going to be such a great thing in our culture, where men are conditioned not to open up and not to be emotional.
"I think it might help to combat that.
"So, I'm excited on so many levels to be doing the first all-male partnership.
"It's incredible, it really is.
"I hope kids watch this and see it and it becomes normal for them. They don't have to grow up in shame, or worrying about who they are.
"I hope this sets a bar for kids to think, 'I am who I am and I'm proud of that.' "
John admitted being part of the new 'Strictly' series won't "sink in" until he discovers who his professional partner is later this year.
He said: "I don't think it's sunk in yet, I don't think it will until I find out who I'll be dancing with.
"I'd dance with a parrot, I'd be happy to dance with anyone."
And the star has some previous dancing experience in ballet and tap.
He said: "I'm actually quite shy when it comes to dancing.
"I used to dance when I was little, I used to do ballet and tap and that.
"If I'm choreographed I feel like I've got the rhythm and I can pick it up. But in terms of dancing freestyle, I think that's my biggest fear."
John's 'Strictly' confirmation was announced on BBC Radio 2's 'The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show', which is being temporarily presented by 'Bake Off' judge Matt Lucas.
And the baker admitted he hadn't slept ahead of his appearance on the radio programme.
He said: "I haven't slept, it's such an honour to meet you, Matt.
"I'm so excited, I'm very, very nervous. I can't wait to get going.
"I was born to be on that dance floor I think.
"I'm going to have to be taken off kicking and screaming, I'm going to chain myself to the staircase every week."
This comes after Tom Fletcher, Robert Webb, and AJ Odudu were the first three stars announced for this year's 'Strictly' during last night's (04.08.21) 'The One Show'.
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