Kevin Clifton has hit back at critics of the new line-up for 'Strictly Come Dancing'.
Kevin Clifton
Many fans are not happy that YouTuber Joe Sugg has become the first internet star to ever sign up for the show but professional dancer Kevin is thrilled, as he believes it will open the BBC reality TV programme up to a younger audience.
He wrote on Twitter: "The reason i think @Joe_Sugg is such a great signing for @bbcstrictly is he has a HUGE young following (over 8million youtube subscribers) that because of him may watch Strictly and become dance fans. So much potential for inspiring kids to dance here.
"Whether people embrace it or not the fact is social media has changed the game and the way content is comsumed and the savvy are making a name for themselves.
"Hes a presenter and a brilliant one. Youtube is merely a different format to tv and hes created it all by himself without the money of a tv channel behind him. He has 8 million viewers almlost as many as @bbcstrictly. A celeb. Deserves to be on it. Simple (sic)."
When one disgruntled 'Strictly' fan called Sugg a "non celeb", Kevin was quick to answer back, insisting that Joe's eight million YouTube followers are more than enough to give him celebrity status.
He wrote: "I just dont equate 8millions viewers to be a non celeb. How many tv shows have these numbers. And he created it himself without the help of tv station behind him
"Why do they have to be on tv a lot to be well known. And youtube is tv. Just a different screen. He will bring in new viewers that never would watch strictly and would have no idea who any of us ballroom dancers are...
"Why does it matter so much. We are placing a lot of importance on celebrity. Like only the talented should have such golden status. Why does it matter whether someone is deemed to be a celeb or not.
"@bbcstrictly isnt an exclusive club that has to ONLY cater to current members. Why should we not explore bringing in a new audience? im excited.
"And the fact is , millions of people know @Joe_Sugg and watch his show every week. His following is nearly as big as strictlys. Why should his viewers not be involved. Its not a members only club..
"Hes a huge celeb. His following is almost as big as strictlys (sic)."
And Kevin insisted previous winners, 'Casualty' star Joe McFadden, news presenter Ore Oduba, The Wanted singer Jay McGuiness and model Abbey Clancy, are no bigger stars than Sugg.
He tweeted: "Joe? Ore? Jay? Abbey? All household names before they won??"
Kevin also retweeted a number of messages of support for Joe, 26, who previously revealed he was first approached by 'Strictly' bosses at the beginning of the year.
He shared: "Back at the start of the year I got approached and asked if I want to be on the show."
And while the prospect of potentially humiliating himself in front of a TV audience of millions terrifies him, Joe was determined to accept the challenge for the sake of his grandparents.
He said: "This is huge for my grandparents. My grandparents both love the show, and although they know what I do on YouTube, I think it'll be great for them to see me on a platform they're more familiar with and with a TV show they are very familiar with."