JOHANNES RADEBE.
“How is this all happening because of me wearing a pair of heels?” questions Johannes Radebe, the Strictly Come Dancing pro and favourite that’s become news headlines across the globe.
The South African-born dancer might have left the BBC One show this season earlier than any of us sadly expected, but his time with celebrity partner Catherine Tyldesley was anything but a quiet ride. From explosive dance numbers to making history with the first same-sex pairing when he gave a special performance with fellow Strictly pro Graziano di Prima, Johannes Radebe is the queer representation we all need right now. And while he embraces the fun, as an openly gay Black man, it counts for so much more.
“Dance was special because it was my refuge,” he tells Catherine Tyldesley, who has stepped in to interview him for this exclusive conversation. “It wasn’t even a matter of enjoying it all, dance was where I could be like… me. I used to run away from life. There was nobody to protect me or look after me. But those that did said ‘there’s nothing wrong with you my boy’. I want to applaud the fact that there are still good people in the world.”
But as one of the only openly professional LGBTQ dancers on Strictly, does Johannes want same-sex couples as regulars on the BBC show? Abso-fucking-lutely! “The truth? We are ready and we’ve always been ready. And when I say that, I’m talking about my community. The question is: are people ready?”
He continues,
