EXCLUSIVE: Johannes Radebe’s latest Strictly Come Dancing star has addressed his new role on the BBC show
Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed as the new Strictly judges (Image: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA Wire)
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Alex Kingston has shared a message of support to her dance partner Johannes Radebe as he lands his new role on the dancing show.
The BBC confirmed earlier this year that the beloved professional dancer would remain a part of Strictly in an entirely new way, as he became one of three presenters to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Tess and Claudia had shared that they were stepping down at the end of the last series, with several names like Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball rumoured to be replacing them.
Johannes will now be hosting Strictly alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe and presenting legend Emma Willis, and has now received a sweet message from Alex, who took part in the series last year, making her Johannes’ final celebrity partner.
The actress shared a message of support for her former dance partner (Image: BBC)
Speaking exclusively at the National Film Awards, the ER and Doctor Who actress said: “I’m excited for JoJo moving forward in a different direction. He’s on the West End stage at the moment doing Kinky Boots, and he’s amazing in it.
“A dancer’s life is finite, so you’ve got to start as a dancer to have a plan-B in your pocket, for when that time comes to an end, which it does at some point.”
After being announced in his new role, Johannes had previously shared: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.
“This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.
Johannes is currently starring as Lola in the West End production of Kinky Boots (Image: Getty Images)
“To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”
Fans had earlier been left concerned that Johannes would quit Strictly entirely, following his exit from the competition with Alex.
After the results of the dance-off were announced, Johannes told Alex: “Thank you, because I have never grinned this much in my life, for the past couple of weeks with you. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper.
“I appreciate the laughs, and I’ll hold onto the memories, but as far as the dancing goes, I think we’ve achieved what we both wanted to achieve.”
Alex Kingston was partnered with Johannes on Strictly last year (Image: PA)
He then added: “To my Strictly family, I love you,” looking around the ballroom at the judges, hosts and fellow dancers. “I’m forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
After fans feared he had made a “goodbye speech”, Johannes put the rumours to bed, telling Graham Norton on his BBC show: “Graham, I will do that show for as long as they will have me.
He added: “I promise, I will. That is a magical, sparkling world. I love it.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year