Johannes Radebe’s journey from a childhood of hardship to becoming a beloved star on Strictly Come Dancing is a story of resilience, talent, and unwavering self-belief. Born and raised in the township of Zamdela in South Africa’s Free State, Johannes faced significant challenges from a young age. His father, who worked for Coca-Cola, separated from his mother and passed away when Johannes was just twelve, leaving his mother, Jacobeth, to raise him largely on her own. Life was tough, and resources were scarce. Yet, amidst this environment, a young boy with a natural flair for movement found his calling in dance, often watching tapes and practicing without proper facilities or costumes. This early passion, however, was not without its trials. School was a place of strict rules and corporal punishment, and Johannes, who even then exhibited a flamboyant and expressive personality, was marked as different. He was bullied, called names, and even had his head dunked in a toilet by peers who frowned upon his dancing. Despite this cruelty, he found a sanctuary in his mother’s unconditional love. Without explicitly labeling his identity, she communicated a profound acceptance that gave him the strength to endure. Her message of love was, as Johannes recalls, the most powerful and liberating thing a boy who played with Barbie dolls and occasionally wore his mother’s heels could hope to hear.
The bullying extended beyond school, as Johannes’ dedication to dance often made him a target. He remembers being chased down corridors by bullies, one of whom was a rugby player he ironically fancied. Yet, these obstacles did not deter him. His drive was fueled by an early encounter with the glamorous world of ballroom dancing—seeing a man in a sequined tailcoat captivated him and cemented his desire to pursue dance. To make ends meet while studying, he took on a job dressed in a “big yellow Muppet costume,” earning 12,000 Rand (£540), a sum too vital to refuse even though he worried it might hinder his professional dance prospects. At times, his financial situation was so dire that he survived on baked beans for a week, reflecting on how difficult life was with his father gone and his mother unemployed. Through all this, he clung to his mother’s wisdom: “If it is meant for you, you will never have to lift a finger.” This belief in his own capability became his anchor.
Johannes’ path was further shaped by influential figures. A charismatic dance coach, whom he describes as having the same magnetism as Michael Jackson, became a pivotal inspiration. This coach demonstrated a powerful, masculine style of movement that deeply impressed Johannes. However, his relationship with his father was complex and strained. His father, a talented soccer player nicknamed “Fly,” hoped Johannes would follow in his footsteps, even buying him soccer boots instead of dance shoes for his first competition. Johannes also witnessed his father’s violent tendencies when drunk and disliked how he treated his mother. Despite this, Johannes acknowledges that there was love between them, stating, “I know my dad loved me and I loved him too.” Leaving home at thirteen to live with a dance coaching couple in Johannesburg, Johannes continued to pursue his dream with determination, sometimes sleeping in dance studios or the backs of taxis when he had nowhere else to go.
His perseverance eventually led to professional opportunities. After teaching dance in Johannesburg, a seven-year stint performing on cruise ships opened new horizons. This experience paved the way for him to join the South African version of Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2014. Despite doubting his suitability for television, believing he was more suited to the stage, his talent was undeniable. In 2018, on his birthday, he received the call to join the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing, which he describes as the best present ever. Since then, he has become a fan favorite, known for his incredible skill, vibrant personality, and powerful partnerships on the show. His success on Strictly has been paralleled by other achievements, including winning The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special in 2022 and starring in Kinky Boots in London’s West End. He has also authored a bestselling memoir, Jojo: Finally Home.
Now, Johannes’ journey takes another exciting turn as he steps into a new role as one of the three co-presenters for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing, alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. This promotion marks a significant milestone, placing him in the hallowed shoes previously worn by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Reflecting on this new chapter, Johannes says, “To be returning to Strictly in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.” His story is a testament to his hard work and the enduring power of dreaming big. He remains effusive about life and is keen to inspire others, particularly aspiring dancers in Johannesburg, by hoping to open a dance academy. He also expresses interest in starting a clothing line. His alternative career choice, he shares, would have been nursing, showing a compassionate side that complements his artistic brilliance.
Looking back on his extraordinary rags-to-riches story, Johannes offers heartfelt advice to his younger self: “Just be yourself, Jojo. If you have a battle, you battle.” He adds, “I would say ‘just be kinder to yourself and it gets better.’” From the township of Zamdela, through years of struggle and bullying, to becoming a celebrated dancer and now a host on one of the UK’s most beloved television shows, Johannes Radebe’s life embodies the triumph of authenticity and perseverance. His narrative is not just about dance; it’s about overcoming adversity, embracing one’s true identity, and ultimately finding a place where one is finally home. As he prepares to welcome audiences to a new season of Strictly, he carries with him the resilience, joy, and magnetic energy that have defined his path, ready to inspire a new generation with his story and his spirit.
