Strictly Come Dancing viewers have praised Johannes Radebe and Graziano di Prima after they danced together on Sunday night’s results show.
The two professionals made Strictly history with its first individual same-sex dance performed to Emeli Sande’s Shine.
Speaking about the dance, Johannes told Hello magazine: “I’ve never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am. That says so much about the people of this country.
“To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous. There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement.
“It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”
Fans said the show deserved a pat on the back for including the dance.
Earlier this year it was reported that Strictly would be introducing a same-sex couple into the competition next year, which prompted a response from a BBC spokesperson, confirming they’re now “completely open” to the idea.
A Strictly rep said: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and we are proud to have featured same-sex dancing amongst the professional dancers in group numbers in previous series.
“We are completely open to the prospect of including same-sex pairings between our celebrities and professional dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.”
Meanwhile, Viscountess Emma Weymouth became the sixth celebrity to be voted off this year’s series during Sunday night’s results show.
The TV personality and her partner Aljaz Skorjanec landed in the dance-off alongside BBC Breakfast’s Mike Bushell and his pro Katya Jones.
Eight couples now remain in the competition after Paralympian Will Bayley was forced to withdraw last week due to injury.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.50pm on BBC One.