Johannes Radebe has revealed that the team is still set to “figure” out the respective roles of the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts, adding that “everything is in planning”. Last month, Johannes, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe were confirmed as the new Strictly presenters, replacing long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who parted ways with the show last year.
Johannes, who currently stars as drag queen Lola in the West End production of Kinky Boots, made the comments while chatting about the new series on Heart Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on June 8.
He initially appeared on Strictly South Africa for two seasons before heading to the UK in 2018. Some of his celebrity partners include Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley, Caroline Quentin, John Whaite, and Ellie Taylor.
Addressing how he felt when he first learned that he’d secured the role, Johannes said: “It was a massive surprise, and I am – for lack of a better word – I am nervous, and I’m excited about it all at once.”
View 3 ImagesJohannes, Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe were confirmed as the new Strictly presenters
(Image: Ollie Dixon/@olliedixonphoto/BBC/PA Wire)
He continued: “Did I see it coming like you said? No, I did not. So when I was offered the opportunity to come in for the chemistry test, I was like, ‘You know what?’. As my agent said, ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’.”
Jamie went on to ask if he had to audition alongside Emma and Josh. He replied: “Yes, we did. So you can imagine the three of us walking into the room and seeing each other. We’re like…”
Probed further about the set-up and who will take on which role, Johannes added: “Jamie, there’s no set info yet as to how that is going. Everything is in planning at the moment.”
Amanda joked: “I love that. That’s the top line the BBC have said to say”, as the group erupted into laughter. Johannes said: “We are still going to figure out how it’s going to work”, adding that all three of them have “main character energy”.
Emma said she was a “huge fan” of the BBC dance show at the time of the announcement and couldn’t “quite comprehend” stepping into the legendary ballroom.
View 3 ImagesJohannes made the comments while chatting to Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston
(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Josh, meanwhile, said he was “giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television”.
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In the aftermath of the Instagram announcement, the BBC account shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new presenters as they discussed their new jobs.
When asked how he felt “not being part of the dancing team and having to interview them” instead, Johannes said he isn’t “hanging” up his shoes quite yet.
He said: “Listen, I’m not hanging up my dancing shows as yet. That I’m definitely not doing. I cannot. I mean, what is my life without a cha cha cha?”