Strictly Come Dancing star John Whaite has slammed David Beckham as the footballing legend continues his role as a paid ambassador for the Qatar World Cup.

The 2022 competition is just one week away with Gareth Southgate recently revealing the England team, however, despite the excitement, there have been growing concerns about the nation’s criminalisation of homosexuality.

In August, Beckham confirmed his reported £10million deal with an advert promoting Qatar tourism released in September ahead of the major sporting event. 

His collaboration sparked outrage among many, including comedian Joe Lycett, who earlier this week demanded Beckham forfeits his role, promising to shed £10,000 of his own money if the ex-footballer continues his support.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk exclusively at the TV Choice Awards, Whaite weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Beckham’s role, saying: ‘I think it’s disgusting, he’s cheapening himself.

John Whaite has called Beckham’s partnership ‘disgusting’ (Picture: BBC)

Beckham’s partnership is reported to be a £10million deal (Picture: BACKGRID)

‘I think he has the power to make great change in this world.

‘Millions if not billions of eyes are on him, and he’s making the wrong step right now.’

Whaite, who made history in Strictly last year as the show’s first ever all-male pairing alongside Johannes Radebe, continued: ‘As someone with so much power and money, he has a chance to really, literally change lives, and he’s doing the exact opposite.

Johannes and John made history last year (Picture: PA)

‘So shame on him.’

Earlier this week, Lycett addressed Beckham directly in a video message and called for him to end his relationship with Qatar, saying he considers Beckham to be a ‘gay icon’.

He urged: ‘If you end your relationship with Qatar, I will donate ten grand of my own money (that’s a grand for every million you’re reportedly getting) to charities that support queer people in football. 

‘However, if you do not, I will throw the money into a shredder at midday next Sunday, just before the opening ceremony of the World Cup and stream it right here. Not just the money, but also your status as gay icon will be shredded. 

‘Also, you’ll be forcing me to commit what might be a crime. Although even then, I reckon I’ll get off more lightly than I would if I got caught whacking off a lad in Doha. The choice is yours. I look forward to hearing from you.’

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Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity can be punished by up to seven years in prison.

Foreign Office advice notes ‘any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent’.

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‘It’s disgusting’.