New Strictly host Johannes Radebe rises above abuse with ‘love and support’ of fans

Johannes Radebe says he’s dealt with “internal homophobia” so any abuse coming his way falls by the wayside thanks to the amazing fans of Strictly

New Strictly Come Dancing host Johannes Radebe rises above racist or homophobic abuse he gets thanks to the “love and support” of the wider British public.

The South African born star is said to be one of three new hosts for the BBC dance show later this year, alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. Radebe, 39, says he’s dealt with his own “internal homophobia” so any abuse coming his way falls by the wayside thanks to the amazing fans of the show.

He told Radio Times: “It comes from the love and support I’ve experienced since being in this country (Radebe became a British citizen in February).

“It outweighs any hate I might encounter, because I’m now a stronger man so I can handle my business. As a young boy, I couldn’t, and I’m glad for those people that interceded.

Radebe’s resolve was tested recently while touring the show Kinky Boots when he was abused by a young lad in Leicester.

“I went to buy a jacket potato and the ladies that served me were gorgeous,” he revealed. “They were big fans of Strictly, so you can imagine the energy that would erupt from them! Then this boy comes out of nowhere and shouts a racist, homophobic slur.

“I went ‘Exactly, darling!’. I know what it is to be bullied, but I’ve always been able to rise above that.”

Growing up in Zamdela, South Africa was tough for a young boy and he admitted: “Many who loved me didn’t know how to handle my queerness. It was also the thing that propelled me to get out of my township, because I thought, ‘I’m not gonna survive’. I had to deal with my internal homophobia. I’m glad I’m over that now.”

Making ‘Strictly history, when he partnered with John Whaite in 2021 as an all male couple, became the breakthrough moment that allowed him to feel accepted by his family.

He recalled: “When Strictly asked me, it bothered me that I had to think about it. Having my mum’s approval mattered….I watched the final with my family in South Africa and I realised how invested they were.

“My niece said, “Look at the way they look at each other!”

“The whole room erupted….it was just the sheer joy of having a conversation about me being in a relationship with a man. My uncle said, ‘You guys deserved to win’. It changed the trajectory of my relationship with my entire family.”

Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return for its twenty-fourth series in September.

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