Johannes Radebe reveals Strictly ‘plan’ that will delight worried fans

After weeks of worried speculation over Johannes Radebe’s future as a pro-dancer on Strictly Come Dancing – the newly-baptised host has set the record straight.

It’s been just over a week since the BBC confirmed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and fan-favourite pro Johannes would be taking over from Strictly hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

The trio are all thrilled to be the face of Strictly’s new era when it returns this September with a crop of new pros as well as several familiar dancers and the four judges.

But Johannes’ radical role change has left many confused over whether he’ll still be wowing viewers with his brilliant moves on the dance floor if he’s busy chatting with contestants and guiding fans from one segment to the next.

These worries were compounded when he was quietly removed from the promotional material highlighting the returning pros and when Emma herself said on BBC Radio 2 that he wouldn’t be dancing anymore.

Now, however, Johannes has confirmed he definitely will still be dancing in some capacity, although he was sparse on the details.

He told The Sun: ‘The question I’m getting asked the most is, “Are you not going to dance any more?” Now listen, I’m not hanging up my dancing shoes yet.

‘I will definitely be throwing some shapes and moving my hips – I can’t not, that’s my life. For it to be just taken away would be a travesty for me.

‘There’s a plan in action, that’s all I’m going to say. You’re going to see JoJo!’

Of course, dancing with one of the celebrities is not the only way to make it onto the ballroom floor, and the pros also regularly perform group dances – which is likely where Johannes will fit in, although it is no guarantee.

Certainly, his continued domination of the dance floor is something fans are desperate to protect at all costs.

‘He has the warmth and charisma to be absolutely spectacular at [being host]. But selfishly, I’m a bit heartbroken about what this means for the Sunday results show group numbers,’ AresenalAxis wrote on Reddit.

‘My guess would be that he won’t get a partner this year, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he’ll still be part of the group routines!’ PrincessMoon agreed.

Well, if Johannes latest promise is anything to go by – these concerns can finally be put to rest.

For the most part it looks as though fans need a lot more convincing that Emma, Josh and Johannes are the right picks for the coveted job – but are ready to give them a chance.

But judge Shirley Ballas told Metro she had the utmost confidence in them.

‘I think it was a surprise to everybody that it was three and not two, so now it’s where they fit and what those little changes are.

‘Of course, everybody loves JoJo. He’s just a well-loved figure. He’s been in Kinky Boots; he’s a professional dancer, but more than that, it’s half his character. He wears his heart on his sleeve, so it’s an absolute delight that we got him.’

Later adding: ‘I think the BBC has really got this right.’

Meanwhile, comedian Josh himself recently admitted he ‘wasn’t sure’ if he would take up the mantle.

‘When the call came initially just for the meeting, I thought: “I really like my life, would I want to throw it into flux?” Because it’s a big thing, it’s a defining thing that you’re suddenly doing it.

‘But I just thought: “What an incredible thing to experience,”‘ he reflected on the Parenting Hell podcast.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this September.

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