Johannes Radebe: ‘I had always been warned to wear my flesh underwear. I did not that day’

The Strictly dancer on impostor syndrome, having his trousers split on stage and his dancefloor rival

Born in South Africa, Johannes Radebe, 38, was South African Amateur Latin Champion three times and won the Professional Latin Championships twice. He spent two seasons on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa before joining the UK version in 2018. In 2023 he published his memoir, Jojo: Finally Home. Having toured the UK and Ireland in the Olivier-, Grammy- and Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots, he reprises the role of Lola at the London Coliseum until 11 July. He is single and lives in London.

When were you happiest?
When my UK citizenship was approved. It’s taken me eight years and lots and lots of money. I was at home in South Africa when I received the news and my mum said, “I am so happy for you because this is your glitterball.”