Johannes Radebe is a South African dancer and choreographer who now presents Strictly Come Dancing alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. Get to know Jojo, from his memorable Strictly partnerships to his book and stage work. Table of Contents
Johannes Radebe on Strictly in 2026
Jojo is part of the Strictly Come Dancing presenting team with Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe. After years lighting up the dancefloor as a professional, he has a new role on the show. His celebrity partnerships below are from his time competing as a dancer; he does not have a celebrity dance partner in 2026.
Away from Strictly, Johannes played Lola in Kinky Boots. He also wrote the memoir Jojo: Finally Home, sharing the story of his journey from South Africa to the Strictly ballroom.
In July 2025 it was announced Johannes is having his life story adapted into a BBC film. The film, inspired by his memoir “Jojo: Finally Home,” will explore his journey from growing up in South Africa.
What was Johannes Radebe’s history-making moment on Strictly?
In 2021, Johannes made Strictly history by dancing in the first all-male partnership with Great British Bake Off star John Whaite, finishing as runners-up in a close final.
5* Weekend Breaks with the stars of TV
Fancy a weekend on the dancefloor yourself? Join us at Alton Towers for our Dancing With The Stars Weekend Experience, with lessons and performances from the confirmed stars listed below.
- When
- Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
- Where
- 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
✨ Star Studded Line-Up ✨
- ✨ Anton Du Beke
- ✨ Katya Jones
- ✨ Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr
- ✨ Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara
See the full star-studded line-up
- ✨ British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward
- ✨ Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
- ✨ Argentine Tango Stars
- ✨ Tony Greenwood 15-Piece Big Band
Johannes Radebe Facts – Age, Height, Dance Partners, Book and Career
Johannes Radebe: Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
| Age | 39 years old (born 27 April 1987) |
| Height | 1.68m tall |
| From | South Africa |
Who was Johannes’s celebrity partner in 2025?
In 2025, Johannes partnered acclaimed actress Alex Kingston (age 61), best known for her roles in TV favourites, Doctor Who and ER.
With Johannes’s expressive style and Alex’s dramatic flair, their routines brought glamour, elegance, and emotional storytelling.
In week 10 Johannes and Alex Ring Our Bell with their Cha Cha. Motsi saw quite a few mistakes that couldn’t be overlooked but loved the groove. It wasn’t the couples night as they became the next to leave the competition.
“Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!”
Who was Johannes’s celebrity partner in 2024?
In 2024, Johannes partnered Montell Douglas, a former Olympian and Gladiator star.
Montell, the first British woman to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, brought her competitive edge to Strictly. Together, Johannes and Montell delivered standout performances, from a jazzy Foxtrot in Week 1 to a powerful Cha Cha in Halloween Week, with judges praising their chemistry and technical flair.
When did Johannes join Strictly Come Dancing?
Johannes joined the Strictly professional line-up in 2018 (Series 16), calling it “one of the greatest achievements of my dancing career.”
Who has Johannes Radebe danced with on Strictly before?
| Year / Series | Partner | Position |
| 2019 – Series 17 | Catherine Tyldesley (Coronation Street actress) | 11th |
| 2020 – Series 18 | Caroline Quentin (actress) | 8th |
| 2021 – Series 19 | John Whaite (Great British Bake Off winner) | Runners-Up — reached the final |
| 2022 – Series 20 | Ellie Taylor (comedian & presenter) | 7th |
| 2023 – Series 21 | Annabel Croft (former British number-1 tennis player) | 4th place — semi-finalist |
| 2024 – Series 22 | Montell Douglas (Gladiator & multi-sport Olympian) | 6th |
| 2025 – Series 23 | Alex Kingston (Actress) | 9th |
Johannes Strictly 2025 journey.
Johannes and Alex Samba-ed their way into week 2 with a massive 10 point improvement on week 1 – a score of 31 wow! Shirley said it was “one of the better Sambas I’ve seen in a long time.” Craig wanted to see more tightness but said they “danced the range of steps brilliantly”.
Johannes and Alex’s Rumba to Fast Car certainly impressed the judges in week 4. The judges congratulated the couple on a stunning routine with Shirley and Anton coming over to Alex to show their huge appreciation – beautiful leg action and great choreography. Shirley scored her first 10 of the series and a kiss for Alex! Motsi concluded it was a “different level”.
Johannes and Alex were Horny devils with their show stopping Salsa during Halloween week. The judges all loved it – Shirley loved it so much she wanted to get out there with them! Joint third on the leaderboard as the competition is heating up.
Johannes and Alex took us for a Weekend in New England as they Waltzed into week 8. Shirley called it “goosebump inducing and fantastic”. Anton said “footwork in harmony, immaculate musicality”. Fabulous feedback going into Blackpool!
We couldn’t help but look at Johannes and Alex with their Couples Choice at Blackpool. Shirley “enjoyed it immensely” and Anton said it was “right up their street” Motsi concluded it was “slick, tight and sensational”.
Alex’s reaction to joining the Strictly cast in 2025:
Has Johannes Radebe ever won Strictly?
Sadly not, Jojo came closest in 2021 when he reached the final with John Whaite
Has Johannes got a book?
Yes, in 2023 Johannes released Jojo: Finally Home – My Inspirational Memoir.
The book went on to become a – THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER (2023)
What are Johannes Radebe’s biggest dance achievements?
- Two-time Professional South African Latin Champion
- Three-time South African Amateur Latin Champion
- History-making all-male Strictly partnership with John Whaite
- Reaching the Strictly final in 2021
What is Johannes Radebe’s favourite dance?
Johannes’s favourite dance is the Paso Doble, known for its drama and power – perfectly matching his strong, expressive style.
Where can I follow Johannes Radebe for the latest updates?
For Johannes’s latest updates, follow his official Instagram or visit his BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with the BBC.
Johannes Radebe Tour Dates, Tickets & Venues
Finally Home is Johannes’s 2027 UK tour. A live theatre show featuring dance and vocals, with Ballroom favourites, South African rhythms and pop music. View dates, venues and ticket availability on Johannes’s official tour website Johannes Radebe tour tickets.
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
