Johannes Radebe has remarked about the ‘progress’ his Strictly Come Dancing relationship with John Whaite has aided in his family and in a broader sense.
The 35-year-old professional dancer advanced all the way to the finals of the 2021 season with John, showcasing some stunning performances along the way, like a fierce paso doble and a romantic rumba.
The fan favourites became the first all-male couple to walk the Strictly dance floor, narrowly losing the Glitterball trophy to Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
Johannes spoke on Loose Women before of his Freedom Unleashed UK tour, reflecting on how dancing with John had benefited him personally, both with his family and with his attitude to dance.
He explained: ‘When it happened I just thought, this is what answers so many questions [for] my people because I knew there were still uncles and aunties that lived remotely that have been waiting for me to bring my wife and kids!
‘And I kept on saying, “Not going to happen, don’t be expecting it!”’
‘I think, selfishly, I was saying, I healed through that partnership,’ he said of how the experience benefitted him in his professional career. ‘I fell in love with my art form all over again – and thanks to John for that.
‘But I have to say, it was a conversation starter for many people in my life and my relationships and we have made progress once again!’
The multi-talented Johannes, who was also crowned champion of The Great British Sewing Bee’s celebrity Christmas special, also said he felt they had ‘left the world a better place for it’ as he praised the UK for being a ‘progressive’ and’seen’ country, even if he admitted there was still a ‘long way to go’.
In 2023, the celebrity is also hunting for love, having promised himself that he will go out and have fun as soon as he gets the time.
Giovanni was teamed with BBC radio personality Richie Anderson in the 2022 series of Strictly, and the duo was ousted as the second pairing to go in a shocking outcome during Movie Week.
Katya Jones and boxer Nicola Adams were the first same-sex partnership on Strictly, but they were forced to leave early because Katya tested positive for Covid during the closely restricted 2020 series, which took place during the epidemic.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1.
