I noticed this article about a routine performed by two of the new pros and thought I wonder how many costumes have been deemed controversial in some way or another.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbi...-in-fat-suits/

I agree that any form of fat shaming or body shaming is hurtful and I give them four 10s for stupidity.

dislike this "idea" that they had with a passion

so much so I actually unfollowed them on instagram because they kept posting clips of it

not funny, not clever and extremely stupid of them if you ask me

In very bad taste, and showing a distinct lack of judgement.

Let's hope this is not an indication of what we can expect from them on Strictly.

I have not read the article yet, but I have seen this routine many times and it was their show dance routine.

I have to admit that when I first saw it, I was slightly taken aback as I felt that it may be offensive to larger people. Perhaps they did not think of this when they dreamt up the concept but I am sure it was not meant to be.

They are an extremely creative couple and are always looking to stretch themselves, and look for original ideas. It was a cracking routine though and the "costuming" ensures no-one forgets it, which is the idea of course.

Have always liked Neil and Katya's showdance routines - and like yourself was taken aback by this routine which I feel was in poor taste - shame it has been picked up by the papers as it does not reflect Neil and Katya imo

Part of the idea of 'showcase' is to be different, and knowing Neil, I cannot believe he was aiming to be offensive to anyone, let alone make fun of fat people; it was just fancy dress.

I have a friend who dances who is definitely of the larger variety(!) She saw this routine, and said 'OMG I never thought I'd see Katya looking like me!' ........ that was as she nearly fell off her chair laughing!

I do wonder if nowadays there is a tendency to take offence where none is intended too quickly, and sometimes on behalf of others? We can all take offence at something or other, and perhaps may need to see things in the spirit in which they are intended.

It's not really very funny in my book to poke fun at people who are obese and to encourage others to do the same. The fact that your friend fell off her chair laughing doesn't really cut it with me I'm afraid.

I'm sure where we draw the line about what is funny or acceptable but I think this dance was crass and utterly stupid. It's a shame it's reared its head now (the press up to its usual tricks) as, like others have said, it makes the pair of them look a right pair of idiots which isn't a great start to the show for them.

Well said Kaycee, fully agree with your comments. It didn't offend me ( then not much does) but I did wonder how it would be perceived by some...( PC brigade in particular). I personally don't know of anyone at all that was upset or offended, it was entertaining and the audiences see that. It definitely was not poking fun at larger people, of that I am certain.

Some people don't find Jim Davidsons "jokes" offensive
This dance is at the very best in extremely poor taste
I have had a look through Neil's Tweets, looks like a James Jordan replacement. I am not looking forward to finding out more about either of them, which is a pity as they had sounded lovely at the announcement

I have to say, the vibe I get from Neil on Twitter and Instagram isn't great. He seems to be playing up to the 'bad boy of ballroom' too hard and the last thing we need is a latter day James Jordan.

Yes, we're the "PC brigade" apparently

I saw this showcase live, and when talking about it afterwards I think Neil said the idea was to show that anyone can dance, regardless of their size. But I can certainly see it could be taken as patronizing, I think it was in poor taste myself.

I've got exactly the same feeling about him but I'm trying as hard as I can to keep an open mind about him till the live shows start. But I don't think I'll change my mind, sadly.

I think he could have flown that Idea if he had done a 'Robert De Niro' and put the weight on to demonstrate that.

It is a routine that looks funny in a clown sort of scenario, but it also fits very well with making fun of obese people.

I think it was a mistake, somewhat insensitive, but best forgotten. In fact the tabloids haven't shown much sensitivity by republishing the videos in full. To be honest I'm not clear why it did so well in the showdance competiton because it is not the type of dance I would want to see (but then I don't like clowning around) and Neil and Katya are better than that.

I don't think professional dancers always have a very healthy attitude to weight and eating. Many dancers are underweight. I am an average weight and size, but used to feel like an elephant dancing with one of my teachers. Another has put on some weight since he stopped competing and tbh he looks great now (although I don't tell him that ) just a good healthy weight.

They're super dancers; two of the best they've had on the show. So at least enjoy their dancing. 😊

Doesn't dancing shame fat people every time it celebrates the thin? Are they best left unseen and unmentionable in world of beautiful body shapes?

I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

The point is the routine wasn't intended to poke fun at people who are obese, and certainly not to encourage others to do the same, and of course everyone has the right to view it as they wish. There are a lot of larger (obese) people who dance, both socially and competitively, and believe me, no one pokes fun of them. Their teachers take them as seriously as anyone else.

Of course the press will highlight things like this. They love anything which they perceive some people will see in a bad light, or, as you say, as a right pair of idiots.

No, I don't know anyone who has seen the routine who was upset or offended by it either; they recognised it for the skill involved - it is extremely difficult dancing a proper routine in such a costume! But then all those I know who have seen it are from the dance world. I guess non-dancers would see it differently.

I watched the video and was not offended I thought it takes a lot of skill to dress up in a fat suit like that and dance so gracefully and with character

However I can understand why some people might be because not everyone has the same sense of humour and it might offend.

I either get to the final with their celeb's perhaps its best if the fat suits don't come out for the showdance! But I think either could come up with something unique.

BIB
I think there is that aspect to consider. In the pro dance world, they are all trim because they put a lot of effort and determination into getting to and staying that way - so they know all about the process and how hard it is. Dancers work extremely hard to keep their weight under control and IMO have proved themselves on the subject by doing so.

We have read a 'quote' from Anton about people being overweight and sometimes it is raised, as a pro will encourage their celeb to eat the right things on Strictly, so it is a relevant subject.

The vast majority of us can control our weight by controlling what we eat. It is a free choice for some, some may have a medical condition which makes it more difficult and how children are brought up has a big influence too. It's a free world, (to a large extent), so people can choose to be how they wish.

Well I guess that may be slightly unfair but it is true that competiton dance clothes are made in unforgiving lycra and womens dresses in particular are designed to show off a beautifully toned slim back.

If you try and buy dance practice clothes for a size 12, you usually have to buy size XL. Someone I know who tried to buy a dress from a well known supplier, and who was a healthy weight but rather large chested, was told bluntly that her shape was not catered for.

I thought the routine was called Mr and Mrs Latin not "fat cha cha" as the article repeatedly states. The concept is two ex world number 1 dancers (20 times over) who retired 10 year ago come back to dance again. I guess dramatic weight gain is an easy visual cue for this and that's why they decided to wear fat suits. I can see why it is offensive to some people and I was pretty taken aback by it.

On a more positive note... I really like this showdance of theirs and find it genuinely very funny!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAk2QNJLwh0

I think that's a good clarification Ellie and does put the performance in a slightly different light in that the comedy element arises from the concept of once great dancers trying to recapture their previous performances.