For years, Johannes Radebe has captivated television audiences with his infectious energy, breathtaking choreography, and unmistakable warmth on the Strictly Come Dancing floor. Now, the fan-favorite dancer is stepping into an extraordinary new chapter as he joins the hosting lineup for the show's latest season alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.
Stepping into an exciting era, Strictly star Johannes Radebe opens up about taking on his new presenting role, navigating live TV nerves, and staying true to his authentic self. From processing the initial shock of the call-up to bringing his expert perspective and trademark style to live television, he reflects on confidence, chemistry, and what this milestone moment means for his journey.
GLAMOUR: Congratulations, first and foremost. When you got the call offering you the presenting role, what was your immediate reaction?
Johannes Radebe: “Are you mad?”
I just thought, who the hell do I think I am? And that's my honest truth. I was like, no way you're replacing Jess and Claudia. Do you know what I mean? Like the thought alone, I was like, I did, I just, I pushed it out so far in my head. I think I kept quiet for 10 minutes on the phone. Not 10 minutes, but I kept, I kept quiet for a while just trying to process it. And Sarah (my executive producer) just kept on saying,“Are you there? Are you there?” I just, I was like, yeah, wait, just wait, this is too much. Yeah, it took an hour’s conversation to realise what was going on.
GLAMOUR: You've gone from professional dancer to presenter. What excites you most about stepping into this new chapter of Strictly?
Johannes: Being able to hold the judges accountable, I can't wait to do a dance brief for the judges. That's one thing that I thought about when I landed the job. But most importantly, I've been given a voice to speak to the magic of the show. And I'm absolutely honoured. So, whatever that is and however that's going to come across, I'm excited.
GLAMOUR: You said you were ready, sequins, nerves and all. What part of live presenting are you most excited about and what still gives you butterflies?
Johannes: The live aspect of it, I mean, Strictly still is one of the few shows that's still left in telly that is live. And there's something about in that show that's unmistakable, you know, the nerves, the adrenaline, the fact that it's happening live, there's nothing like it. So, I know I'm an adrenaline junkie in that regard, and I think everybody in that voice in telly is. We love bringing entertainment to people, if you know what I mean. So that's it for me.
GLAMOUR: Strictly has always been about joy, heart, and togetherness. What do you hope audiences feel when they see this new presenting trio together?
Johannes: The same thing and more. Honestly, do you know what I mean? I just want them to also be reassured that it's business as usual. Nothing is changing about the show. And I just hope that people give us space until we find our feet.
GLAMOUR: Emma Willis described the three of you as steering the show into a new chapter. What unique energy do you think you, Emma and Josh each bring to the ballroom?
Johannes: Well, I think...
You see, Emma definitely is our anchor. I feel like just spending time, the three of us, she's our anchor. And she's always the one that's always encouraging us and telling us to get out of our heads about it all. She's told us that we're not performing surgery. It's just a bit of dancing. And I absolutely love that, how consistent she is in that regard.
Well, Josh, Josh, Josh has funny bones. Do you know, the man opens his mouth and you laugh, and I understand now why he's here. But the fact that he's also been a contestant of this show, on a Christmas special, it just shows how much of a fan he is of the show. And when he speaks about it, you're like, it's because you wouldn't expect that from a dad. So the fact that a dad sits on a Saturday and watches the show, and now is presenting it. That for me, I absolutely love and I think he's going to be bringing the laughs and holding me down in that regard.
I think I will speak to the dancing. I'll bring my expertise. Like I said, there's a few things that I would absolutely love to have a voice on now that I'mthis side of town. But yeah, I think that's what's going on.
And also we have great chemistry. And when I say that, the first meeting felt like old friends sitting around a dinner table and having a laugh. So I hope that continues.
You, Emma and Josh make for a brilliant, unexpected trio. You spoke to the chemistry a bit. What's the chemistry like off camera and who keeps everyone laughing?
I think we find each other hilarious. I think firstly, we, you know, even when we met, we're like, this is so unlikely. You know, what did they think?
But like I said, we said the few of us were like, oh, we get it now. You know, we, it's, you must see it. It's like, even when we have our interviews, it's like a ping pong effect. We, I'm not going to say it, but we do finish each other's sentences. And it's well, but like I said, they're just warm, kind individuals.
Like I said, when I left the chemistry test, I was like, at least I know that these two had my back. It just felt like that, and it was a wonderful feeling.
GLAMOUR: You've become a style icon as much as a dancing star. How would you describe your fashion philosophy in three words?
Loud.Proud.Exuberant.
GLAMOUR: And is there a dream designer or a particular look you'd love to wear as a strictly host?
Johannes: Wait until you see my wardrobe!
GLAMOUR: Confidence is something so many people associate with you. Has it always come naturally or is it something you've had to build over time?
Johannes: Something I absolutely had to build over time, and I thank dancing for forcing me to level up in life. I say that because you can't dance and not be expressive. You can't dance and not be proud. You can't dance and not be fabulous. And I have to say that that was that was my world of self-expression. And with that came confidence. When I'm on the dance floor, I you can't touch me.
GLAMOUR: What's one thing people are always surprised to learn about Johannes Radebe?
Johannes: I'm an introvert.
GLAMOUR: Really?
Johannes: I love my own space. I love to hibernate because that’s my way of saving myself in order to face the world.
GLAMOUR: What's your biggest green flag when it comes to relationships or friendships?
Johannes: Kindness goes a long way. If people are kind to one another, everything falls into place.
GLAMOUR: Looking back at your journey so far, where does becoming a Strictly host rank amongst your proudest career moments?
Johannes: You know, you're asking somebody who's had an opportunity to rub shoulders with royals. I have to say it must be right up there.
Honestly, I pinch myself every day. It's been the happiest time and the most nerve-wrecking time of my life, but I am happy.
GLAMOUR: Finally, if you could describe this new era of Strictly Come Dancing in just three words, what would they be?
Johannes: Three words to describe the new era of Strictly? Same cake, different icing. I can’t do three, it’s too difficult so there’s four!
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