Strictly icon Johannes Radebe talks fame, growing up and facing down slurs: “Many who loved me didn’t know how to handle my queerness”

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Johannes Radebe is a Strictly Come Dancing favourite and will return to the show later this year.

I’m so excited to see him on the West End stage! He actually started his musical theatre journey with the UK tour of Kinky Boots back in 2025, and now he’s bringing that same energy to London. He’s playing Lola, the incredible drag queen, and the story is just fantastic – it’s about this unlikely bond she forms with Charlie, who takes over his dad’s failing shoe factory and decides to design shoes for drag performers. It’s a really heartwarming and fun show!

Johannes, you’ve gone from being a dancer to a singer and actor – how did that happen?

I struggled with self-doubt for two years before accepting the job. I didn’t like the idea of a celebrity being cast, and I knew many talented Black, queer men would be overlooked. Plus, even though I’m comfortable performing, I wasn’t confident in my singing – my mum always said I sounded like a sheep! I took singing lessons, and my teacher explained that my shaky voice was actually a strong vibrato we could improve.

When did you first wear heels?

I started playing dress-up with my mom’s clothes – heels, turbans, and necklaces – at a very young age. It was a way to entertain myself, as I often found it difficult to play with other children. My mom was supportive, letting me explore, but she always warned me that my father wouldn’t approve and I’d be on my own if he saw me.

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What was it like growing up in Zamdela in South Africa?

Growing up, many people who cared about me struggled with my identity as a queer person. I recall my uncle telling me he’d only accept me if I didn’t express myself through things like makeup or traditionally feminine styles. I realized his love wasn’t unconditional, and it didn’t feel like genuine love to me. That experience was a major reason I left my hometown – I didn’t think I could thrive there. I also had to overcome my own internal prejudice against myself, but I’m grateful to have moved past that now.

Do you still encounter homophobia?

I was rehearsing for ‘Kinky Boots’ in Leicester when I went to get a jacket potato, and the women serving me were lovely. They were big ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fans, so they were really enthusiastic! Then, out of nowhere, a guy yelled a horrible, offensive slur that was both racist and homophobic. I instinctively responded with a sarcastic, ‘Exactly, darling!’ I’ve experienced bullying myself, but I’ve always managed to not let it get to me.

So how do you rise above it?

The positive experiences and support I’ve received since becoming a citizen here have been incredibly powerful. They far outweigh any negativity I might face, because I’m now more resilient and capable of handling challenges. I wasn’t always this strong, and I’m grateful to those who helped me along the way when I was younger.

In 2021, you and John Whaite made history as the first same-sex couple on Strictly Come Dancing. Looking back, did you realize how significant that was?

I have to admit, when Nicola and Katya danced together back in 2020, it honestly scared me a little, given my own background. I really admired their courage. So when I was asked to do Strictly, it bothered me that I even had to consider if it was right. Getting my mum’s okay meant everything. She just said, ‘What are you worried about? Doesn’t John deserve to see the real me, just like everyone else? Keep an open mind.’ That was all the encouragement I needed, honestly. It put everything into perspective.

How did your family react?

Watching the finale with my family in South Africa was a turning point. I noticed how excited they were about seeing me with my partner. My niece pointed out the connection between us, and the whole room started playfully asking why I hadn’t introduced him sooner, saying we were clearly in love. I tried to downplay it, but it was amazing to have their support and openly discuss my relationship with a man. Even my uncle said we should have won! It completely changed how my family and I relate to each other.

You’ve had some fantastic TV successes, winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2021 and The Great British Sewing Bee’s Christmas special in 2022. Are there any other shows you’d be interested in appearing on?

I worked as a choreographer on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World in 2022, and my ultimate goal is to be a judge on the show. That would be amazing! I’m continuing to work hard to make that happen.

I understand a movie based on your 2023 memoir, JoJo: Finally Home, is being made. Can you share any news about its progress?

It’s frustrating how long it takes to get a movie made. The project has been approved, and we’re open to having more producers join. I read an early version of the script a few months ago, and it was really touching.

Is it exciting to tell your life story?

I never intended to be an inspiration, but now I see how much people need encouragement, particularly those from where I grew up. We don’t have many role models or see much representation of ourselves. I hope my film sends a message to anyone who needs to hear it: don’t be limited by where you come from – a whole world of opportunity is out there.

Authors

Laura Rutkowski

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2026-05-18 19:45