BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe has become a fan favourite on the show
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Johannes Radebe has spoken out about his future on the hit show amidst swirling rumours suggesting he might be leaving.
The 38-year-old professional dancer, who has become a fan favourite since joining the BBC contest in 2018, has been at the centre of speculation regarding his departure.
Johannes made history on Strictly by forming the first same-sex pairing with John Whaite, reaching the final in the 2021 series in what was seen as a groundbreaking moment for the show.
Towards the end of last year, there were whispers that some of the show’s professional dancers might not make a comeback.
However, Johannes has now been officially announced as part of the returning professional line-up, which includes Amy Dowden, reigning champion Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin, reports Edinburgh Live.
During an appearance on This Morning, the South African star reassured hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard by saying: “I’m not going anywhere.”
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In response to the exit rumours, he quipped: “You’re going to have to drag me off that show with my sequins.”
Johannes also expressed how life would seem “dull” without the annual glitz and glamour of Strictly, describing his role on the programme as a “privilege”.
“That is a sparkling world I live in and I can’t tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every year and to be called back,” he commented.
Reflecting on his time on the show, he said: “I’ve been blessed with incredible partners throughout the years,” having danced with celebrities like Gladiators star Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft in recent series.
He concluded by praising the show for its impact, saying: “I love the show because of what it does, the community it builds and the reach it has.
“Sometimes I look back and I’m like, I can’t believe I call this a job.”
Before the professional dancers for this year’s Strictly were revealed, Johannes took to Instagram to quash rumours that he was leaving the show.
“I’m going nowhere, nowhere. It’s a lie. Liza Minelli lies,” he declared, posting a clip of himself in a dance studio.
Directly addressing his followers, he passionately stated: “Why do you tell lies about me?”
“I’m not going nowhere! The story isn’t true – I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow.”
In the post’s caption, he further clarified his commitment: “I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline, yes, but nothing will take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx.”
Johannes is set to return to the dance floor with fellow professionals Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przysta, Aljaz Skorjanec, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and the trio Amy, Dianne, and Nikita.
While the celebrity contestants for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing are yet to be confirmed, speculation is rife with names such as Stacey Solomon, Dani Dyer, Sir Mo Farah, and Tom Parker Bowles being floated as potential participants.
Earlier this year, Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, shared her anticipation: “The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, also commented on the show’s core talent: “The Strictly Professional Dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world-class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here’s to another fab-u-lous series!”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year