Johannes Radebe has revealed that the team is still figuring out the responsibilities of the new Strictly Come Dancing presenters, noting that 'everything is in planning'. Last month, Johannes, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe were announced as the new Strictly hosts, taking over from veteran presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who departed the programme last year.
Johannes, who is currently performing as drag queen Lola in the West End staging of Kinky Boots, shared these remarks while discussing the upcoming series on Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on June 8.
He appeared on Strictly South Africa for two series before relocating to the UK in 2018. Among his celebrity dance partners have been Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley, Caroline Quentin, John Whaite and Ellie Taylor.
Speaking about his reaction upon discovering he'd landed the position, Johannes said: 'It was a massive surprise, and I am - for lack of a better word - I am nervous, and I'm excited about it all at once.'
He added: 'Did I see it coming like you said? No, I did not. So when I was offered the opportunity to come in for the chemistry test, I was like, "You know what?". As my agent said, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".'
Jamie then asked whether he had to audition with Emma and Josh. He responded: 'Yes, we did. So you can imagine the three of us walking into the room and seeing each other. We're like...'
Probed further about the set-up and who will take on which role, Johannes added: 'Jamie, there's no set info yet as to how that is going. Everything is in planning at the moment.'
Amanda quipped: 'I love that. That's the top line the BBC have said to say', prompting laughter from the group. Johannes said: 'We are still going to figure out how it's going to work', noting that all three of them possess 'main character energy'.
Emma revealed she was a 'huge fan' of the BBC dance programme at the time of the announcement and couldn't 'quite comprehend' stepping into the legendary ballroom.
Josh, meanwhile, said he was 'giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television'.
In the aftermath of the Instagram announcement, the BBC account shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new presenters as they discussed their new jobs.
When asked how he felt 'not being part of the dancing team and having to interview them' instead, Johannes said he isn't 'hanging' up his shoes quite yet. He said: 'Listen, I'm not hanging up my dancing shoes as yet. That I'm definitely not doing. I cannot. I mean, what is my life without a cha cha cha?'
