BBC rejects complaints of 'blatant projection of homosexuality' on Strictly Come Dancing after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones' historic same-sex pairing

• The complaints referred specifically to the December 19 final and were made over the alleged 'blatant projection of homosexuality'
• Although they did not confirm the exact number of complaints made, the BBC did say they were 'not upheld' 
• Nicola, 38, and Katya, 31, were the show's first ever same-sex pairing and were forced to pull out of the competition early after Katya tested positive for Covid

The BBC has rejected complaints made about Strictly Come Dancing's first ever same-sex pairing.

According to The Mirror, the broadcaster has stood by former professional boxer Nicola Adams and her dance partner Katya Jones after some members of the public complained about the pairing. 

The complaints referred specifically to the December 19 final and were made over the alleged 'blatant projection of homosexuality', according to BBC's Executive Complaints Unit (ECU). 

Although they did not confirm the exact number of complaints made, the BBC did say they were 'not upheld'. 

Nicola, 38, and Katya, 31, were the show's first ever same-sex pairing and were forced to pull out of the competition early after Katya tested positive for Covid-19.

A representative for the BBC declined to comment on the complaints when contacted by MailOnline.  

Nicola previously insisted that negative reaction to her partnership with Katya would not get to her after the broadcaster received over 100 complaints when their pairing was first announced. 

She told Radio Times: 'This is 2020. We have to move with the times. I've been through my mum and dad separating, domestic violence, back injuries, having to look after my brother when I was 13 when my mum had meningitis.

'So someone's going to comment on Twitter? It’s nothing, it won't faze me at all. If they don't like it, they’re going to have to deal with it or switch to another channel.'

Shortly after Strictly confirmed news of the couple's early exit, Katya posted on Instagram that her 'heart is broken', before paying tribute to her partner.

Writing alongside a selfie of the pair, the dancer wrote: 'My heart is broken I'm utterly gutted this Special journey had to end this way and you don't get to give more. 

'You are a woman who didn't need a hero, you became one. Definitely my hero. 

'To everyone, thank you for your tremendous support and we will keep dancing for you guys one way or another.

'Meanwhile, please stay safe everybody. And to all my friends who're still in the show- go for it!'

Nicola said in a statement: 'Hey guys! I'm absolutely devastated my Strictly journey has come to an end so soon. I had so much more to give and so many people to win this for!

'But I just want to say a huge thank you to Katya for being the best dance partner anyone could ask for. She pushed me way out of my comfort zone and it's been an incredible experience.

'I'm gutted to be out of the competition but in these unprecedented times and as frustrating as it is, the COVID measures in place are to keep everyone safe, and I'm doing what I can to help.'