Strictly's John Whaite confirms marriage in sweet Instagram post
Strictly Come Dancing and Great British Bake Off star John Whaite has wed his long-time partner Paul Atkins in New York.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Whaite wrote: "Our big day in the Big Apple. Mr & Mr," alongside a series of black and white photos of the couple.
Whaite went on to add a quote from Justice Anthony Kennedy from the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legally recognised same-sex marriage across all 50 states in the US.
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It reads: "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family.
"In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death.
"It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfilment for themselves.
"Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilisation's oldest institutions.
"They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right."
Whaite, who was half of Strictly's first male same-sex partnership, has been with Atkins for 15 years.
Last August, he talked about 'falling in love' with his Strictly pro partner Johannes Radebe during their time together on the show.
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"I fell in love with him. I can't speak for him – because I'm not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there."
Whaite explained he chose to be open with Atkins about his feelings for Radebe, causing his fiancé to move back home with his parents while they worked through issues.
He explained: "I look at Paul and what he's put up with over the years and how he's nurtured me and stood by me, and who would throw that away? I couldn't."
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Tickets for Strictly's 2024 live arena tour are available now.
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