The glittering world of Strictly Come Dancing could be facing a significant shake-up, with rumours intensifying that popular professional dancer Johannes Radebe is set to leave the BBC flagship show.
Emotional Farewell Fuels Speculation
Speculation about Radebe's future erupted following the emotional exit of his celebrity partner, actress Alex Kingston, in December 2025. The pair became the eighth couple eliminated after losing a dance-off to Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.
While reflecting on their journey in the Clauditorium, Radebe's choice of words sent alarm bells ringing for dedicated viewers. Addressing his co-stars, he stated, "Goodbye to my Strictly family... To my Strictly family, I'm forever grateful."
This poignant remark, coupled with his overall reflective tone, was immediately picked up by fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). One viewer wrote, "Johannes is definitely leaving after that speech," while another asked, "I got the idea that narrative from Johannes means he's leaving the show. Is that true?"
Betting Odds Shorten on Departure
The whispers have now gained traction in the betting markets. Leading bookmaker Betway has priced Johannes Radebe at 7/4 to not return to the Strictly ballroom for the 2026 series.
A spokesperson for Betway commented: "Following remarks that fuelled speculation about a potential exit, Johannes Radebe is now priced up at 7/4 to not return to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom next year." They specifically highlighted his "Goodbye to my Strictly family" comment as a key catalyst for the rumours.
Further weight was added to the speculation when head judge Shirley Ballas was reported to have said, "It is difficult to replace Jojo," seemingly acknowledging the potential void his departure would create.
A Storied Seven-Year Strictly Tenure
Johannes Radebe first joined the professional lineup of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, having previously starred on the South African version of the show. Over his seven-year tenure, he has become a beloved figure, known for his incredible artistry, charisma, and trailblazing performances.
His exit, if confirmed, would mark the end of an era and represent a second major blow to the show's core team, following the announced departures of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Some fans have directly linked the exits, with one noting online, "Sounds like Johannes is leaving Strictly with Claudia and Tess!"
As the 2025 series reaches its climax, with the final set to crown either Karen Carney, George Clarke, or Amber Davies as the Glitterball Trophy winner, all eyes will now also be on any official announcement regarding the future of one of Strictly's most cherished professionals.
