Strictly star Johannes Radebe recalls ‘special’ first experience shared with John Whaite
South African pro dancer has reflected on his 2021 partnership with ‘GBBO’ contestant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Johannes Radebe has reflected on an impactful experience shared with John Whaite during their time partnered together on Strictly Come Dancing.
Radebe joined the long-running BBC dance competition as a professional dancer in 2018 and quickly became a fan favourite.
One of his most popular runs in the programme came in 2021 when he and TV baker John Whaite were partners, ultimately finishing in second place to Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
During Saturday’s edition (13 April) appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Radebe looks back on his time dancing with Whaite and shares memories of being lifted by him – a rare experience as a male dancer.
He says: “He lifted me like I was a piece of feather. I’m a well-built man and I’ve always lifted women and I know the level of care that goes into that. For me to experience it for the first time was quite special and I have to thank John Whaite for being really caring with me.
“He was quite patient while I was trying to figure it out. The truth is for the first time in my life I’ve had somebody say to me ‘I’ve got you’.”
Last year, Whaite surprised Strictly fans by admitting that he fell in love with Radebe during their time on the show, leading to a brief separation from his then-fiancé.
“I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there,” Whaite told The Times of his time with the pro dancer.
In response, Radebe told the same publication that he considered Whaite a friend for life.
Whaite married his long-term partner Paul Atkins in February.
Elsewhere in The Jonathan Ross Show, Radebe discusses his House of Jojo live event, currently touring across the UK. He also becomes emotional when comedian and fellow guest Frank Skinner praises the on-screen partnership that he and Whaite showed to the nation.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
“I have to say I’ve spent the last seven years in this country and it has been absolutely wonderful,” the South African dancer says. “I feel seen and that experience really brought a certain confidence to me that I cannot tell you – I’ve never had that.
“It’s restored my faith in humanity, that experience. To hear people give feedback as to how beautiful it was, that really humbles me.”
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 10.05pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments