Olympic boxer Nicola Adams confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing’s first same-sex couple

Two-time Olympic champion retired from the sport in November 2019 over fears for her eyesight

Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams is the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up, appearing as part of the series’ first ever same-sex pairing.

In a groundbreaking move for Strictly, Adams will be paired with a female professional dancer in this year’s season.

The 37-year-old, who has been praised as an LGBTQ+ role model, is currently dating beauty blogger Ella Baig. The couple appeared on Loose Women and Celebrity Gogglebox together in June.

The casting decision will be welcomed by many viewers who have long called on the BBC dancing content to introduce its first same-sex pairing.

Strictly previously received praise last November when a same-sex routine featuring professional dancers Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima was performed during a results show.

Two-time Olympic champion Nicola Adams has retired from the sport (Getty)

Adams triumphed for Team Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics in the flyweight category. In 2016, Adams successfully defended her title in Rio de Janeiro.

The news follows shortly after former NFL player Jason Bell, The Wanted’s Max George and Jonathan Creek actor Caroline Quentin became the first celebrities confirmed as contestants in this year’s series.

The three stars were revealed on Monday night’s episode of The One Show (31 August).

Strictly Come Dancing has faced filming setbacks amid the pandemic. The series is due to air on BBC One from 24 October with a reduced run of nine weeks instead of the usual 13.