Spotlight on: Johannes Radebe
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Johannes Radebe is a South African dancer and choreographer celebrated for his bubbly personality and trailblazing visibility on *Strictly Come Dancing*. Over the years, he has become one of the show’s most beloved professionals, admired not only for his technical mastery but for his authenticity, warmth, and the joy he brings to every performance. Beyond the glitter and footlights, Radebe’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to using his platform to inspire others.
### **Who is Johannes Radebe?**
Born in Zamdela, Sasolburg, in South Africa’s Orange Free State, Johannes Radebe’s journey to international acclaim is marked by both triumph and adversity. Growing up, he faced homophobic bullying and the compounded challenges of navigating race and class barriers within the competitive world of ballroom dance. His early years in Johannesburg were defined by financial hardship, at times he experienced homelessness, sleeping in the dance studio where he worked or in the back of taxis.
Yet Radebe’s talent and determination propelled him forward. He went on to win the Professional South African Latin Championship twice, and became a three-time Amateur Latin South African Champion. His competitive success opened doors to television, where he quickly became a standout figure. Today, he is not just a renowned dancer but a symbol of perseverance, representation, and unapologetic self-expression.
### **Isn’t he on** ***Strictly Come Dancing*****?**
He certainly is! Radebe’s been a firm fan favourite since joining the cast in 2018. And has become synonymous with the show’s most joyful, heartfelt, and innovative routines. His partnership with **John Whaite** made television history as the first male same-sex pairing in the UK series, a landmark moment that resonated deeply with audiences. The pair went on to finish as runners-up, losing only to **Rose Ayling-Ellis** and **Giovanni Pernice** in a memorable final.
Before his UK success, Radebe already had an impressive track record. He competed in two seasons of the South African version of *Strictly*, reaching the final both times, and appeared on *Dancing with the Stars* in 2018.
### **What else has he been in?**
Radebe’s talents extend far beyond the ballroom. In 2022, he showcased his choreographic flair on *RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World*, where he created the first ever West End–themed Rusical. That same year, he stepped outside the dance world to win the Celebrity Christmas Special of *The Great British Sewing Bee*.
In 2024 when he made his acting debut on *Doctor Who*, alongside Strictly judge **Shirley Ballas**. The pair delivered a show-stealing song-and-dance performance with **Ncuti Gatwa**’s Fifteenth Doctor. Radebe has also taken part in *Celebrity MasterChef* and joined the 2018 touring cast of *Burn the Floor*.
### **What’s next for Johannes Radebe?**
From March 2026, Radebe will make West End debut, reprising his role as Lola in the London transfer of [*Kinky Boots*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/kinky-boots-tickets). His performance on the 2025 UK tour, starring opposite **Dan Partridge** as Charlie Price, earned glowing praise, and his return to the role at the [London Coliseum](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/london-coliseum-london) is highly anticipated.