As the launch of Strictly Come Dancing 2023 approaches, professional dancer Johannes Radebe admitted he “feels sorry” for the celebrities taking part because they can only experience the show once, whereas the pros are reassured they will return.
In a new interview, the South African star, 36, revealed: “I feel sorry for the celebrities because they never get to experience this twice.
“We know we come back. But, when that journey comes to an end, whether it’s in the early stages of the competition or later on, it’s never easy saying goodbye to your Strictly partner.”
Johannes became part of the Strictly family in 2018 and has danced with Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley, Men Behaving Badly’s Caroline Quentin, Bake Off winner John Whaite and comedian Ellie Taylor.
The Latin champion has become one of the most popular professionals, but he says some dancers “look down” on the beloved show.
He added to Radio Times: “There are still people who feel very strongly about winning championships and look down on us. They say, ‘You guys have given up on the dream’.”
Nevertheless, despite winning the Professional South African Latin championships twice, Johannes says he is happy not to be the focus of attention when it comes to Strictly.
He concluded: “I’m the frame, and my partner is the picture in that moment.”
Johannes’s biggest success on the show came in 2021 when he reached the final with John Whaite, 34.
The pair were firm favourites throughout the competition and finished in second place behind Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
The baker told The Times: “I fell in love with [Johannes]. I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there.”
He told the publication: “We have gone on to have such a beautiful experience together that it would be a shame if we were not friends after all that.
“What we agreed is that, regardless of what life throws at us, we will always keep [this friendship] going. ‘We are friends for life,’ I always say to him. ‘I know where you live. You cannot get rid of me.’ I still speak to him.”
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing begins Saturday at 6.35pm on BBC One.