Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe delivered a show-stopping arrival at London's Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday evening, showcasing a breathtaking drag transformation that left him almost unrecognisable.
A Dazzling Red Carpet Moment
The 38-year-old dancer commanded attention in a vibrant red crystal-embellished mini dress, posing confidently for photographers. His dazzling ensemble featured dramatic structured shoulder pads, long sleeves, and a sparkly tasselled skirt that caught the light with every movement.
Johannes added significant height to his frame with striking red-and-black lace-up knee-high boots, while bold red statement earrings completed the accessories. His makeup palette was equally vibrant, and he sported a long brown ponytail with a fringe that perfectly framed his face.
From Royal Variety to West End Stage
The spectacular look preceded his performance of an extract from the hit musical Kinky Boots, where he is currently preparing to return as Lola. Earlier this year, Johannes captivated audiences nationwide in this role, earning rave reviews from critics who described the casting as a 'perfect fit'.
He is set to reprise this celebrated role in the West End for a limited run beginning March 17, 2026 at the London Coliseum, following previews at Curve, Leicester from March 3. Before this much-anticipated West End return, Johannes shared the stage with his Kinky Boots co-stars at Wednesday's prestigious event.
The Royal Variety Spectacle
The annual charity bash, now in its 113th year, lit up London's Royal Albert Hall with a star-studded line-up of top British and international talent. Organisers hail it as the world's most successful and longest-running entertainment show, reaching a global audience of 152 million.
This year's event gained additional royal glamour as the Prince and Princess of Wales attended among the star guests. The show raises vital funds for the Royal Variety Charity, which supports entertainment industry professionals requiring care and assistance.
Other notable performances included Les Misérables marking its 40th anniversary with a staggering 400 performers, Paddington The Musical's exclusive debut, and appearances by Jessie J, Madness, and Grammy-winner Laufey. Stephen Fry made a special guest appearance following his recent West End run, while host Jason Manford returned to front the show after last hosting in 2020 during COVID restrictions.
