Johannes Radebe, 39, who has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2018, has revealed he once slept in a dance studio and wore a 'big yellow Muppet costume' to make ends meet before his big break. The South African-born star, now a co-presenter for the new series alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, recalled his struggles: 'I was eating baked beans for a week and I thought “this is tough”. Dad had just passed away, Mum was at home with no job and me trying to do my studies.'
Growing up in the township of Zamdela in Free State, South Africa, Radebe faced bullying for his flamboyance and love of dance. He said: 'I learned how cruel and unkind children can be. I was picked on and marked out as different from the beginning.' At secondary school, bullies dunked his head in a toilet, and he had to avoid being chased with a sword. Despite this, his mother's acceptance and love gave him strength: 'Without using any label, Mum found a way to tell me she accepted and loved me.'
Radebe left home at 13 to live with a dance coaching couple in Johannesburg. He taught himself by watching tapes, as his family had no money for costumes or proper facilities. At one point, he was homeless and slept in the dance studio where he worked or in the back of taxis. He drew inspiration from his mother's words: 'If it is meant for you, you will never have to lift a finger.'
Now proudly gay, Radebe credits his dance coach as a major influence, describing him as 'Michael Jackson in my eyes'. He said of his new role on Strictly: 'To be returning to Strictly in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.'
