Johannes Radebe Confirms Strictly Return Amid West End Debut

Johannes Radebe, the celebrated dancer and fan favorite from the BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” has found himself at the center of swirling speculation regarding his future on the beloved television show. Just weeks before his highly anticipated debut in the West End musical “Kinky Boots,” Radebe stepped onto the set of “The Graham Norton Show” on February 6, 2026, to set the record straight for his legion of admirers.

For months, rumors have run wild: would Radebe’s new starring role as Lola in “Kinky Boots” mean the end of his seven-series run on “Strictly”? The answer, according to the man himself, is a resounding no. “I will do that show for as long as they will have me. It’s a magical sparkling world. I love it,” Radebe declared on Graham Norton’s iconic red sofa, drawing a collective sigh of relief from fans across the UK (as reported by BBC and Digital Spy).

Radebe’s journey to the West End is a story of both serendipity and determination. Though his portrayal of Lola in “Kinky Boots” drew rave reviews during the show’s 2025 national tour, the opportunity almost passed him by. “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,” he revealed on The Graham Norton Show. Not one to let a dream slip away, Radebe sought out singing and acting coaches two years before his eventual audition. “But then I thought ‘give yourself this opportunity’ so, I got a singing and acting coach two years before I auditioned,” he added, reflecting on the preparation that would ultimately pay off in spades.

And pay off it did. Critics were effusive in their praise when “Kinky Boots” toured the country last year. Kent Online marveled, “Anyone who’s watched [Strictly] knows that Johannes can dance; that’s a given. What I didn’t expect was the voice.” Theatre Reviews North echoed the sentiment, writing, “There is no doubt that Johannes’ presence makes the show special. He brings a level of emotion that provides great authenticity to his performance.”

Now, Radebe is set to reprise his role as Lola at London’s storied Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026. The production, featuring a score by Cyndi Lauper, will also include a week of previews at Curve, Leicester, beginning March 3. Tickets for the limited run are already available, and anticipation is high, not just for Radebe’s electric performance but for the show’s entire star-studded cast, which includes X Factor winner Matt Cardle.

Radebe’s appearance on “The Graham Norton Show” wasn’t just about musicals and glittering costumes. He also discussed a deeply personal project: a film adaptation of his memoir, “JoJo: Finally Home.” The project, still in its early development stage, has Radebe cautiously optimistic. “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, giving fans a rare peek behind the scenes of his creative ambitions.

Meanwhile, the world of “Strictly Come Dancing” is itself in a state of flux. The departures of long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have left producers scrambling to find suitable replacements. The rumor mill has churned out a list of possible successors, but several high-profile names have already bowed out. TV presenter Ben Shephard, for one, 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 politely declined, leaving the coveted roles up for grabs as the next series approaches.

Radebe’s own journey on “Strictly” has been nothing short of dramatic. Since joining the show in 2018, he’s become a fixture in the ballroom, beloved for his infectious energy and artistry. In the 2025 series, he was paired with actress Alex Kingston, a duo that quickly became fan favorites and early picks to win the Glitterball trophy. Yet, the competition proved fierce, and they were ultimately the eighth couple eliminated in week ten. Nevertheless, Radebe’s commitment to the show remains unwavering—a fact he made crystal clear on Graham Norton’s couch.

Off the dance floor, Radebe recently enjoyed a rare holiday break after two consecutive years of missing Christmas at home. Speaking to Radio Times ahead of the “Strictly” final, he shared his excitement about reuniting with family: “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.”

His return to the UK was marked by a playful social media post on February 6, 2026, in which he described his appearance on “The Graham Norton Show” as a “holiday detour well worth it.” The post quickly drew support from his “Strictly” colleagues, with Gorka Marquez, Vito Coppola, Dianne Buswell, and others chiming in with messages of pride and affection.

For viewers eager to catch more of Radebe’s infectious spirit, “The Graham Norton Show” continues to air on Friday nights on BBC One and iPlayer. The February 6 episode, which featured not just Radebe but also Hollywood heavyweights Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and Amanda Seyfried, was a particular treat for fans of both the stage and screen.

As for “Kinky Boots,” the upcoming West End run promises to be a highlight of the London theatre calendar. With Radebe’s dynamic performance at its heart, the production is primed to dazzle audiences and critics alike. And with Radebe’s heartfelt reassurance that he’s not leaving “Strictly” anytime soon, fans can rest easy knowing that their favorite dancer will continue to light up both the stage and the small screen for the foreseeable future.

In the ever-evolving world of British entertainment, Johannes Radebe stands out not just for his talent but for his candor and warmth—a star who, by all accounts, is just getting started.