Strictly's Johannes Radebe was told to 'never' return home after dancing with John Whaite
BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe was told to "never" return home to his native South Africa after being paired with Great British Bake Off star John Whaite.
Johannes Radebe Speaking About Strictly On The One Show
Johannes Radebe has opened up about his experience on Strictly Come Dancing when he was partnered with Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite back in 2021.
They were the first male couple to ever dance together on the BBC show and reached the final. However, they were pipped to the post by Rose Ayling-Ellis who danced alongside professional Giovanni Pernice.
Despite making history, Johannes, 36, received a huge amount of hate. In a new interview with The Guardian, the dancer revealed that he was even told not to return to his birthplace, South Africa.
He said: “People would tell me and John that we were disgusting, that I should never come back to Africa, that I’m a disgrace.
Since then he admitted that he is careful on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
He continued: “I’ve created a world where that has no impact on me any more. It’s not me that has a problem.
"If they’re willing to learn, come to House of Jojo; I’ll educate you. What I do, and how I live my life, can never be based on what other people think. I want to create a world that I see in my head – and it’s of love and of kindness.”
Johannes has previously confessed that dance saved him after stumbling into it when he was just seven-years-old.
After one class at his local recreation hall, he fell in love with the art and credits it for building his confidence.
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To date, he has won the Professional South African Latin championships twice and has been the Amateur Latin South African champion three times.
He has also been partnered with Caroline Quentin, Ellie Taylor and most recently Annabel Croft.
During his time in the dance competition, he has become a fan favourite.
He famously sent fans into meltdown when he was seen vogueing in black stilettos alongside Graziano Di Prima, a performance he has since described as "empowering".
In March, he will tour the UK with his House of Jojo shows. Beginning in Oxford, the dancer will also travel to cities including Edinburgh, Manchester and Brighton.