Johannes Radebe sets record straight on BBC Strictly future amid quit rumours
Johannes Radebe has taken to social media to quash rumours about him leaving Strictly Come Dancing.
It was reported on Wednesday that the 37-year-old South African dancer was poised to leave the BBC favourite following the current series.
Taking to social media, the Strictly professional posted a clip of himself singing and saying: “I’m not going anywhere,” before he gets up to perform an upbeat dance.
He captioned the post: “I’m not going nowhere! The story isnt 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.” (sic)
Radebe made his debut on the iconic dancefloor back in 2018, and has built a strong following with his calm nature and friendly approach.
The choreographer’s Kinky Boots the Musical commitments at the start of 2025, as well as plans to turn his life story into a movie, led to rumours he was bidding farewell to the beloved show.
His schedule is thought to be packed out, as he’s due to perform in more than 200 shows in 25 different cities across the UK and Ireland.
A source told The Sun on Wednesday: “Johannes is hugely loved on the show and there isn’t an atom of bad feeling about him leaving.
“Both he and the show’s bosses realise he is overwhelmed with work as a result of his soaring popularity and wish him all the best.”
They continued: “But nobody can ever get so big that they continually take up too much limelight – the star of the show must always be the show itself.”
In the current series, the dancer is partnered with Olympian and Gladiators star Montell Douglas.
Despite nearing the top of the leaderboard on several weeks, the duo found themselves in the dreaded dance-off in week seven.
It occurred during Icon Week, so in a battle to remain in the competition the two performed once again their tribute to Whitney Houston, an emotional Waltz to her classic hit, I Will Always Love You.
The judges decided to save the pair, meaning Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin had to bid farewell to the competition.
It didn’t take long for relieved fans to rush to the comments and welcome Radebe’s news.
“So glad that you’re not leaving Strictly,” one penned, with another writing: “This made me giggle. what we love to hear.”
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“Oh this makes my heart leap that you’re staying,” a third shared.
“Thank god love you so much I’m glad the news isn’t true,” another commented, with someone else adding: “Thank goodness, we love you on strictly.”
Another posted: “We are so happy. Our family wattsapp group was so sad to hear you were leaving. What a relief it’s not true.” (sic)
