TL;DR
- Johannes Radebe announced as new host of Strictly Come Dancing
- Overcame childhood homophobia to become a gay icon
- Made history with first same-sex partnership on the show
- Currently single but open to dating
- Debuted in Kinky Boots as lead role Lola
Hold onto your sequins, folks! Johannes Radebe is back and this time, he’s taking center stage as a host on the iconic Strictly Come Dancing. The South African dancer, known for his dazzling moves and fabulous personality, is ready to sprinkle some magic on the show after the recent departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Talk about a glow-up!
Radebe, who has been a fan favorite since joining the show in 2018, expressed his excitement saying, “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.” And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be part of that glittering legacy?
But let’s rewind a bit. Johannes hails from Zamdela, a township in South Africa where he faced his fair share of challenges growing up gay. He bravely opened up about the homophobic abuse he encountered during his childhood, recalling how he and his friends were bullied for simply being themselves. “There was never anything wrong with me, yet the society around me made me believe there was,” he reflected. Thankfully, his journey on Strictly has allowed him to reclaim his narrative and inspire countless others along the way.
And let’s not forget his groundbreaking moment on the show! Radebe made history with the first same-sex male partnership alongside Great British Bake Off champion John Whaite. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Whaite even admitted to falling in love with Radebe during their time together. “When you’re physically pressed against another man for 10 hours a day, things move emotionally… I fell in love with him,” he confessed. How sweet is that? But don’t worry, they’re still friends, and Radebe even congratulated Whaite on his marriage earlier this year.
As if that wasn’t enough, Johannes is also stepping into the spotlight in the West End! He recently made his debut in the musical Kinky Boots, taking on the lead role of Lola, a character he’s always dreamed of playing. “I feel like everything I have achieved in my career has led to this moment,” he shared. And if that’s not a testament to living your truth, we don’t know what is!
Currently, it seems the Strictly heartthrob is single and ready to mingle. After a nudge from his former dance partner Annabel Croft, Radebe is looking to get back into the dating game. “I went on one date with a gentleman, and it was lovely. It’s now about me doing this a lot more,” he said. We’re rooting for you, Jojo!
So as Johannes prepares to dazzle us in his new role, we can’t help but celebrate his journey. From overcoming adversity to becoming a beacon of hope and joy for the LGBTQ+ community, he’s truly a star in every sense of the word. Here’s to Johannes Radebe—may your sequined future be as bright as your spirit!