Strictly Come Dancing Star Johannes Radebe Addresses Future Amid Exit Speculation
Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite Johannes Radebe has publicly addressed swirling rumours about his potential departure from the hit BBC series, firmly dismissing speculation that he is ready to quit. The professional dancer, who has been a beloved fixture on the show since 2018, sparked concern among fans last year when he appeared to hint at leaving after his elimination with partner Alex Kingston.
Emotional Farewell Message Fuelled Speculation
In November last year, when Radebe and his celebrity partner Alex Kingston were voted off the most recent season of Strictly Come Dancing, the dancer delivered an emotional message that many interpreted as a goodbye. "Bye to my Strictly family, I love you," he said at the time, adding, "To my Strictly family, I'm forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you." This heartfelt statement led to widespread speculation among viewers that the 38-year-old pro might be preparing to exit the series after six years.
Radebe Firmly Denies Exit Rumours on National Television
However, during a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Radebe appeared to shrug off all exit rumours definitively. "I will do that show for as long as they will have me. It's a magical sparkling world," he told host Graham Norton emphatically. "I love it." This clear statement should reassure the millions of Strictly fans who have followed his journey on the programme, where he has been paired with celebrities including John Whaite, Caroline Quentin, and Ellie Taylor.
West End Debut and Film Adaptation in the Works
Radebe's appearance on Norton's chat show came alongside co-stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi from Wuthering Heights, and fellow actor Amanda Seyfried. The dancer is currently preparing for his West End debut in a production of Kinky Boots, a role he initially turned down before committing to intensive performance training. "I feel like it was meant to be," he explained to Norton. "I secretly told people for a long time that I would love to do it. The way it came was by luck and magic, but I turned it down the first time. But then I thought, 'give yourself this opportunity', so I got a singing and acting coach two years before I auditioned."
Autobiographical Film Project Under Development
In addition to his stage ambitions, a film based on Radebe's life story is currently in development, adapted from his autobiography JoJo: Finally Home. The project will chart his remarkable journey from growing up in poverty and facing prejudice in South Africa to achieving success as a dance champion and television personality. "It is in [the] development stage, and I just read my first script which is lovely, but it takes such a long time," he revealed. "I am hoping not to play myself, but I might make a cameo appearance." This film adds to Radebe's expanding portfolio beyond Strictly Come Dancing, though he remains committed to the show that made him a household name.
