Johannes Radebe shuts down claims he's quitting Strictly Come Dancing

He's a fan favourite!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Nov 2024
Last updated 8th Nov 2024

With the recent drama surrounding BBC entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing right now, rumours have been rife that bosses are keen for a major shake-up, with a number of popular professional dancers apparently at risk of being axed from the show.

Recent reports in the media also suggested that dancer Johannes Radebe was due to quit at the end of the current series, after 'landing two huge projects', but now Johannes has broken his silence to set the record straight.

Sharing a video of himself in the Strictly rehearsal room, Johannes said: 'I'm not going nowhere! The story isn't 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)

Fans and friends of the pro dancer were quick to comment. Co-star Karen Hauer wrote: 'I mean where do they get this 💩 from…… 😂', whilst the official BBC Strictly page wrote: '❤️'.

Oti Mabuse added: '😂😂😂😂 love you Chomi'. with Neil Jones commenting: 'Brilliant 🤣'.

A fan then wrote: 'didn’t believe any of it anyway, as you always say jojo you’re not going anywhere! the only place you’re going is for craigs’ job!! 😭 love you so much❤️'. (sic)

Check out this year's professional dancers on Strictly:

Vito Coppola

Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.

Amy Dowden

Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, it's now been confirmed Amy will return to the show for the 2024 series!

Gorka Marquez

Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.

Dianne Buswell

Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.

Karen Hauer

Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Eddie Kadi.

Katya Jones

Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with actor Nigel Harman in 2023.

Johannes Radebe

Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Tennis legend Annabel Croft in 2023.

Kai Widdrington

Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai was paired with Angela Rippon.

Jowita Przystal

Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Jody Cundy in 2023.

Carlos Gu

Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos was paired with Angela Scanlon.

Nikita Kuzmin

Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams.

Nancy Xu

Nancy was paired with actor Les Dennis in 2023. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.

Neil Jones

Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.

Lauren Oakley

Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series.

Luba Mushtuk

Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2023 she was paired with actor Adam Thomas.

Nadiya Bychkova

Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss. She was without a celebrity partner last year.

Michelle Tsiakkas

Michelle joined Strictly in 2022. She was without a celebrity partner last year.

Aljaž Škorjanec

Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he will be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series.

Johannes has been a fan favourite on Strictly since he first joined the show back in 2018. After being paired with the likes of Ellie Taylor, Annabel Croft and Layton Williams, this year he's working with Gladiator and former Olympic Athlete, Montell Douglas.

The pair have been scoring high from the judges, picking up 35/40 last weekend, however they found themselves in the dance-off alongside Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin. Fortunately for Montell and Johannes, all four judges chose to save them.

Following the results show, Johannes took to Instagram to write: 'Being in the dance off is pretty awful when you suddenly realize the fun time dancing and laughing might be cut short with your new beautiful friend, who you've become obsessed with...it's a horrendous feeling. ❤️‍🩹

'A job well done by @samquek13 and @nikita__kuzmin, I think you guys were amazing. 🤍

'@montytrackstar darling I hope you heard what the gorgeous @motsimabuse said to you "...you take it seriously, you give it love and passion and you're respectful..." 👏🏾💫

'No truer words have been said. You've been consistent and it's been a joy dancing and watching you grow. Keep going my dear because you're on the right track. ❤️

'Grateful for another week good people. 🙏🏾'. (sic)

Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Now read:

Amy Dowden 'heartbroken' as she's forced to quit Strictly

Strictly's Jowita Przystał breaks silence on Pete Wicks romance rumours

Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.