By Meghna Amin
Strictly Come Dancing’s beloved professional dancer, Johannes Radebe, has finally addressed the swirling rumours about his future on the hit BBC show.
The 38-year-old star, who joined the Strictly family in 2018, has become a firm fan-favourite and even made history by forming the competition’s first same-sex couple with John Whaite in the 2021 series.
Despite speculation last year that some of the pro dancers might not return to the dance floor, Johannes has been confirmed for the upcoming line-up, joining fellow pros Amy Dowden, reigning champion Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
During an appearance on Monday’s This Morning, the South African dancer reassured hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, stating: “I’m not going anywhere.”
In response to the quitting rumours, he quipped: “You’re going to have to drag me off that show with my sequins.”
Johannes also confessed that his life would be “dull” without the annual sparkle of Strictly, describing his role on the show as a “privilege”, reports Edinburgh Live.
He expressed his gratitude, saying: “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.”
Reflecting on his time on the show, he said: “I’ve been blessed with incredible partners throughout the years,” referring to his previous pairings with Gladiators star Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft.
He concluded by expressing his love for the show, 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 vehemently deny rumours that he was leaving the show.
“I’m going nowhere, nowhere. It’s a lie. Liza Minelli lies,” he declared, sharing a video of himself in a dance studio.
He then passionately asked the camera: “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.
“I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline, yes, but nothing will take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx,” he added in the caption.
He’s now set to return alongside Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przysta, AljazÌŒ SÌŒkorjanec Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, as well as Amy, Dianne and Nikita.
The celebrities participating in this year’s Strictly are yet to be announced, though speculation is rife with names such as Stacey Solomon, Dani Dyer, Sir Mo Farah and Tom Parker Bowles being suggested.
Earlier this year, Sarah James, the Executive Producer at BBC Studios, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm as she declared: “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.”
BBC’s Head of Entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, chimed in with equal fervour, stating: “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.