Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has opened up about the most hurtful comment he has ever received, admitting it still lingers in his mind. The 38-year-old dancer, who quickly became a fan favourite on the BBC show, shared the remark as he prepares to return to the stage in the musical Kinky Boots.
In an interview with The Guardian, Radebe said the worst thing anyone has ever said to him was: 'I'll never amount to anything.' He revealed the comment came from a rival at dance school and described it as deeply hurtful. 'It hurt and is something that I've always had in the back of my head to defy,' he added.
Radebe is set to reprise the role of drag queen Lola in Kinky Boots, which will run at the London Coliseum later this year. He will star alongside singer and X Factor winner Matt Cardle. The musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits a failing shoe factory and creates a line of high-heeled boots after meeting cabaret performer Lola.
Despite his theatre commitments, Radebe has confirmed he will return to Strictly Come Dancing for its 24th season. Speaking on The Graham Norton Show in February, he addressed speculation that he might quit, saying: 'I will do that show for as long as they will have me. It's a magical, sparkling world, I love it.'
Radebe first joined Strictly in 2018 and has become one of its most popular professionals. His return will be welcomed by fans who feared he might leave after an emotional exit with celebrity partner Alex Kingston in 2025.
