Strictly's Johannes Radebe opens up about losing his aunt

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South African dancer Johannes Radebe and his Strictly Come Dancing partner John Whaite waltzed their way into the final of the BBC competition. Since becoming runners up in the December final, Johannes has been focusing on his solo tour around the UK. Speaking to This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary about the highs and lows of his career, the professional dancer spoke out about not being able to fly out to South Africa when his aunt died last year. 

The 34-year-old dancer visited South Africa after coming within touching distance of the 2021 Glitterball Trophy. 

After the winners of the series were EastEnders actress Rose Aylging-Ellis and Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice, and Johannes visited his family in South Africa to “refuel” after the excitement of the competition. 

Johannes, who is about to embark on a solo tour around the UK, told Alison and Dermot his dream would be to take it around South Africa. 

“Opportunities like this don’t come around very often to my people living back at home,” he explained. 

Reflecting on his success as a dancer and choreographer, Johannes said he had to leave Africa in order to pursue a career in dancing as there “were no prospects” in his home country. 

Alison asked the Strictly star what it was like to visit South Africa recently to see his family. 

The star, who was thrilled to visit his loved ones, then admitted it was a “bittersweet” visit. 

Johannes said: “It was glorious and [great] to spend time with mama but it was bittersweet at the same time because I lost my aunt last year. 

“It’s the price you pay for working away from home, isn’t it? But it was incredible and I needed to refuel again.” 

The star revealed the experience of dancing with John on Strictly Come Dancing has really “changed” his relationship with his mother. 

Johannes explained: “For the first time in my life my mother and I can speak openly about my sexuality.” 

He said it was something they had never spoken about until recently as his culture is “very conservative”. 

Reflecting on the partnership with John, which represented Strictly’s first same-sex male couple, Johannes revealed everything was completely “authentic”.

“The man could carry me, which was a plus, I have never been lifted before in my life,” he quipped. 

“It was special,” he said. “I was taken aback and overwhelmed by the love and support which outweighed the hate.”

“I love that, it was nice to see how far we’ve come.” 

Alison asked Johannes about his upcoming tour, named Freedom, and wondered how he felt about meeting his fans. 

“It’s surreal, it honestly is, I feel like my dreams are coming true,” Johannes gushed. 

“I pinch myself every morning as I think this cannot be real.” 

This Morning continues weekdays on ITV at 10am. 

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