Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite, 34, has revealed he developed romantic feelings for his Strictly Come Dancing partner Johannes Radebe, 36, during their historic stint as the show's first same-sex couple in 2021. Whaite, who was in a 15-year relationship with fiancé Paul Atkins at the time, said he and Atkins spent time apart after the series ended as he grappled with his emotions.
Opening up about his experience, Whaite stated: "I fell in love with him [Johannes]. I can't speak for him – because I'm not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there." He added: "I still love Johannes. Of course I do." The baker noted that they shared similar backgrounds, including experiences of homophobia and bullying.
Body language expert Judi James analysed the pair's on-screen chemistry, noting that their routines appeared deliberately restrained, suggesting hidden feelings. "The first clue was actually the lack of relaxed PDAs from the couple," she explained. "When they posed for the cameras there was often a less tactile look and a rather emphatic amount of space between them." James also pointed to a visit from Whaite's fiancé Paul, during which Radebe stood back, as a sign of tension.
Following the show, Whaite said he spent time apart from Atkins, who moved back in with his parents while Whaite drank heavily. However, the couple reconciled and are now engaged. Whaite said: "I look at Paul and what he’s put up with over the years and how he’s nurtured me and stood by me, and who would throw that away? I couldn’t." He added that he remains in touch with Radebe but would cut contact if it became difficult for Atkins.
