Johannes Radebe's 11 Most Iconic Moments In The Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom |
Johannes Radebe's 11 Most Iconic Moments In The Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom
There's good reason that Strictly's new host is already such a fan-favourite.
After years as one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most beloved dancers, Johannes Radebe is joining the show’s presenting team for the 2026 series.
Earlier this week, Johannes was announced as one of Strictly’s three new hosts alongside TV personality Emma Willis and comedian Josh Widdicombe, marking a huge step for the South African performer, who joined the show in 2018.
During his time as a Strictly pro, he has been partnered with Catherine Tyldesley, Caroline Quentin, Ellie Taylor, and Annabel Croft, perhaps most notably getting to the finale in the show’s first all-male partnership with chef John Whaite in 2021.
Since his debut, the dancer affectionately known to viewers as Jojo has become a fan favourite, thanks to his creative dance routines, beaming smile and gentle demeanour.
As he gears up for the next stage of his Strictly career, we’re looking back at some of Johannes’ highlights from his time on the show…
Johannes storms the stage in heels for a stunning group performance (2019)
Johannes delighted fans and stole the entire show back in 2019 when he strutted onto the Strictly dance floor in a pair of stiletto boots, for a group number featuring the entire troupe of professionals and judges.
Set to a mash-up of David Bowie’s Fame and Blondie’s Rapture, Johannes’ part of the routine saw him strutting across a runway in high heels, striking some fabulous poses and displaying some impressive fan-ography.
As shocking as it is to remember now, in his first year on the show, Johannes didn’t actually receive a partner, so this fashion-themed dance the following season really let fans see him in his full fabulousity.
To this day, this routine is still ranked as one of the best numbers in Strictly’s 22-year history.
Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima deliver a pioneering performance (2019)
It took Strictly the better part of two decades to embrace same-sex partnerships, with Nicola Adams and Katya Jones being the first such pairing to compete on the main show.
Johannes helped pave the way for this change when he performed a landmark dance alongside Graziano Di Prima in 2019, set to Emeli Sandé’s Shine.
Johannes later told the Guardian that this performance “felt like my coming-out party”, adding to Hello! magazine: “For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am. That says so much about........