Johannes Radebe Confirms Strictly Return Amid Kinky Boots Debut

Johannes Radebe, the charismatic professional dancer who has become a beloved fixture on BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” is about to step into a new spotlight. As he prepares to make his much-anticipated West End debut in “Kinky Boots,” fans have been abuzz with speculation: does this dazzling new chapter mean Radebe is about to hang up his Strictly shoes? The answer, delivered straight from the man himself during a star-studded appearance on The Graham Norton Show on February 6, 2026, is a resounding no.

Radebe’s journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. Since joining “Strictly” in 2018, he’s appeared in seven series, partnered with celebrities such as actress Alex Kingston—his most recent pairing in the show’s 23rd series in 2025. Although the duo exited in week ten, their performances left a mark, and Radebe’s popularity only continued to soar. After the show wrapped up last December, Radebe took a well-deserved holiday, sharing with Radio Times his excitement about returning home: “After two years of not being home for Christmas, I’m jumping on a flight. It’s summer back home. Normally there’s a big barbecue—the whole family’s in the yard, playing music and dancing. Sounds like heaven to me.”

But the holiday was only a brief detour before his next big stage. On February 6, 2026, Radebe confirmed via social media that he would soon appear on The Graham Norton Show, joining Hollywood stars Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Amanda Seyfried. His Strictly co-stars wasted no time cheering him on. Gorka Marquez exclaimed, “Jojo [crown, clapping hands and heart emojis],” while Vito Coppola and Dianne Buswell chimed in with proud and playful messages.

On the show, Radebe addressed the swirling rumors about his Strictly future head-on. “I will do that show for as long as they will have me. It’s a magical sparkling world. I love it,” he declared, much to the relief of his fans and colleagues alike. According to BBC and Digital Spy, this statement put to rest months of speculation that his new theatrical commitments might signal a departure from the dance competition that made him a household name.

Radebe’s West End adventure sees him reprising the role of Lola in Kinky Boots, a part he first played to critical acclaim during the show’s 2025 national tour. The musical, set to run at the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026, with previews at Curve, Leicester starting March 3, has already earned him rave reviews. Kent Online wrote, “Anyone who’s watched [Strictly] knows that Johannes can dance; that’s a given. What I didn’t expect was the voice.” Meanwhile, Theatre Reviews North praised his emotional depth: “There is no doubt that Johannes’ presence makes the show special. He brings a level of emotion that provides great authenticity to his performance.”

Radebe’s path to Lola was not without its twists. As he revealed on The Graham Norton Show, “I feel like it was meant to be. I secretly told people for a long time that I would love to do it. The way it came was by luck and magic, but I turned it down the first time. Then I thought ‘give yourself this opportunity,’ so I got a singing and acting coach two years before I auditioned.” The investment paid off, as critics and fans alike have lauded his transformation from dancer to triple-threat performer.

Backstage, Radebe’s presence has inspired admiration from his fellow Strictly professionals. On social media, the likes of Motsi Mabuse, Carlos Gu, and Alexis Warr have showered him with supportive messages and emojis. The camaraderie reflects the tight-knit community that has become a hallmark of the show.

Yet, while Radebe’s future on Strictly seems secure, the same cannot be said for the program’s hosting lineup. Longtime presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are set to depart in 2026, sparking a frenzied search for their replacements. Several high-profile names have already taken themselves out of the running. TV presenter Ben Shephard candidly told Metro, “Hosting Strictly? Goodness me! Saturday nights. I’ve never even done Strictly [as a contestant]. I feel like anybody that hosts that show needs to have a bit of an insight into what it is like to go through the mill.” Alan Carr, Amanda Holden, and Bradley Walsh have also declined, leaving the BBC with some big shoes to fill.

Meanwhile, Radebe’s ambitions extend beyond the stage and dance floor. During his Graham Norton appearance, he confirmed that a film based on his book JoJo: Finally Home is in development. “I just read my first script which is lovely, but it takes such a long time. I am hoping not to play myself, but I might make a cameo appearance,” he shared. The possibility of seeing his life story on the big screen adds yet another layer to his already multifaceted career.

For fans eager to catch Radebe in action, The Graham Norton Show continues to air on BBC One and iPlayer every Friday night, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and candid conversations with stars from across the entertainment world. As for Kinky Boots, tickets are on sale now, promising a limited run filled with high-energy performances, heartfelt moments, and, of course, plenty of sparkle.

Through it all, Radebe remains grounded, grateful, and committed to the communities that have embraced him. Whether dazzling audiences in the West End, inspiring viewers on Strictly, or sharing his life story with the world, he proves that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that allow us to wear many hats—or, in this case, many boots—without leaving behind the ones that fit just right.