Strictly Come Dancing host Johannes Radebe has revealed he was left in tears during rehearsals for the live show, after swapping the dance floor for a presenting role this year.
Johannes first became a professional dancer on the BBC One show in 2018, partnering celebrities including Catherine Tyldesley and Caroline Quentin. This year, he joined Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe as one of three new hosts, following the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year.
Emotional moment in rehearsals
Appearing on It Takes Two on Thursday (October 1), Johannes spoke to new host Ellie Taylor about the emotional moment. Asked if it was strange being back in the ballroom but not dancing, he replied: "It was. I did cry, didn't I? In rehearsals. I think seeing them all come down in their outfits, knowing what they're dancing, that weekend, what they had to go through in the past two weeks."
He added: "I was just like, oh... I missed that, but I've got partners with me. So it's fine."
Fans share concerns over new format
Discussing the contestants' talent in week one, Johannes said: "I watched the competition, and I wanted to be on the floor enjoying them, but I have to say, there are so many surprises. There are people that came out, and I said, I thought to myself, I didn't expect you to be doing this. You know, it'd be one, but across the board, we are in for a real treat this year."
Strictly fans have expressed concerns about the new hosting format, with some saying it "doesn't work". One fan commented: "The overwhelming view seems to be that Emma is perfect and should host downstairs alone, and Josh should be moved upstairs as he's way more of a comedic, light-hearted chat sort of host. But where does that leave Johannes."
Another wrote: "This is a disaster @bbcstrictly. Josh and Johannes are not working at all. Not one bit. Johannes talking whilst they're coming up the stairs?! You're going to lose long-time viewers rapidly."
One fan suggested producers may rotate the roles each week, writing: "I'm curious to see if they might 'Rotate or alternate' the roles in a similar style to the launch show. It's only Week 1 so there's time to make changes and it feels very 'trial and error' right now."
Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One and iPlayer.
