Speculation is mounting that professional dancer Johannes Radebe may be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after he delivered a moving speech that many viewers interpreted as a final farewell.
An Emotional Farewell Sparks Fan Reaction
The moment occurred during the Sunday night results show on 1 December 2024, after his celebrity partner, actress Alex Kingston, was voted off the competition. While thanking Kingston for their journey together, Radebe appeared to address the wider Strictly family, saying, "Goodbye to my Strictly family."
This poignant remark did not go unnoticed by the show's dedicated audience. Many took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to express their sadness and share their belief that the dancer was bidding a permanent goodbye to the series he joined in 2018.
A History-Making Strictly Career
Johannes Radebe has been a beloved figure on the show since his debut six years ago. He made television history in 2021 when he was partnered with baker John Whaite, forming the show's first-ever all-male couple. Their groundbreaking performances were widely celebrated and marked a significant moment for the BBC programme.
What Happens Next for Strictly?
The BBC has not yet commented on the speculation surrounding Radebe's future. His emotional words have left fans anxiously waiting for confirmation about whether he will return for the next series. If this was his final appearance, it marks the end of an era for one of the show's most popular and influential professional dancers.
The focus now shifts to the remaining couples in the competition, but the potential departure of Johannes Radebe has undoubtedly become a major talking point for Strictly Come Dancing viewers across the UK.