Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has revealed he contemplated quitting the show after being paired with former tennis star Annabel Croft for the latest series. Despite reaching the semi-finals and winning over audiences and judges, Radebe initially struggled with the decision.
Speaking on the Table Manners podcast, Radebe explained that two weeks before the show began, he buried his cousin who had taken his own life. He was grappling with personal grief and felt overwhelmed at the prospect of supporting Croft, who was mourning the loss of her husband, Mel Coleman, to colon cancer.
Radebe said: 'When they said I'm dancing with her, I was like, “What are they trying to achieve?” Two weeks before I started, I buried my cousin who committed suicide. I didn't feel anything... I just felt like I was going through the motions.' He even called his agent to suggest not having a partner that year, saying he needed time out.
However, the partnership proved transformative. Radebe described it as a blessing, and the two became best friends, supporting each other through their grief. 'A lot of people say, “Oh Johannes, you helped Annabel” but no, Annabel helped me,' he said.
Croft later paid tribute to Radebe on Instagram, saying he gave her 'a reason to get out of bed' during her Strictly journey.
