Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe, who will co-host the show alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe when it returns this autumn, met the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2025 and described Princess Catherine as 'angelic.'
Meeting at the Royal Variety Performance
Johannes, currently starring as drag queen Lola in the West End production of Kinky Boots, encountered the royal couple at the Royal Variety Performance. He was still wearing his 'denim boots' and full drag attire when he met Prince William and Princess Catherine.
According to Johannes, Prince William was impressed by his on-stage performance, particularly given his footwear. The Prince reportedly said, 'I don't know how you do it in those heels!' Johannes replied, 'I can teach you if you like,' and both laughed.
Princess Catherine's Angelic Presence
Speaking to Hello! Magazine, Johannes shared his impressions of the Princess of Wales. 'I'd never been that close to her before. There's something so angelic and regal about her. She was so gracious, talking to everyone, and really engaged,' he said.
Johannes also recalled curtsying to King Charles and Prince William. He confessed he would love to waltz with the Princess to Audrey Hepburn's 'Moon River' from the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany's, adding that William might 'surprise' everybody on the dance floor in a 'samba costume.'
New Hosting Role on Strictly
Earlier in June, Johannes revealed that the Strictly team is still working out the duties of the new presenters, who will replace long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Speaking on Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on 8th June, Johannes discussed his reaction to securing the role.
'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 said. 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.''
When asked about auditioning alongside Emma and Josh, Johannes confirmed they all auditioned together. 'Yes, we did. So you can imagine the three of us walking into the room and seeing each other. We're like..' Regarding specific roles, he said, 'Jamie, there's no set info yet as to how that is going. Everything is in planning at the moment. We are still going to figure out how it's going to work.'
