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Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing pro to have life story turned into BBC documentary
Strictly Come Dancing pro to have life story turned into BBC documentary Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has shared some exciting news regarding his next career venture with the BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe (Image: Johannes Radebe Instagram ) Strictly Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe is set to have his incredible life story immortalised in a BBC documentary, inspired by his autobiography, Jojo: Finally Home. The dancer, who hails from Zamdela, South Africa and joined Strictly in 2018, has bravely spoken out about the homophobic bullying he endured during his school days before making the move to the UK. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Johannes revealed that the documentary is in its early stages, but has already secured the backing of BBC Films. "It's a 'pinch me' moment," he confessed. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too." Johannes Radebe is set for an exciting new venture (Image: Getty ) The Strictly star hopes his documentary will serve as inspiration to his community back home, showing them that success is within reach, reports Edinburgh Live. Article continues below "It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from," he told The Sun. He added, "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success." Despite his busy schedule, which includes touring the UK with the Kinky Boots musical and working on the documentary, Johannes has reassured Strictly fans that he will return to the BBC show for the upcoming series, launching in September. Johannes with Montell Douglas on Strictly (Image: BBC ) During a July appearance on This Morning, Johannes engaged in a spirited chat with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley regarding his tenure on Strictly. Ben said: "Please reassure us you're going to be in the line-up and are definitely going to be part of it!" to which Johannes emphatically replied: "They'll have to drag me off that show with my sequins!" Article continues below He continued: "I'm not going anywhere! My life would be dull. That is a sparkling world that I live in and I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every single year, to be called back." Having joined the team of professional dancers on Strictly in 2018, Johannes has showcased his dance skills alongside celebrities such as Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft. His noteworthy performance in 2021 saw him reach the final with John Whaite, ultimately securing second place. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Edinburgh Live
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Strictly Come Dancing pro says 'pinch me' as huge career move unveiled
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A popular Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer has landed himself an exciting new opportunity away from the BBC One show. Johannes Radebe, who joined Strictly in 2018, is set to have his inspiring life story told in a BBC documentary, which will be based on the events told in his autobiography, Jojo: Finally Home. The dancer grew up in Zamdela, South Africa, and has been open about the years of homophobic bullying he faced at school before moving to the UK in 2018. Johannes revealed that his new BBC project is now in the "beginning stages" and described it as a "pinch me" moment. (Image: Getty Images) "It's a 'pinch me' moment," he told The Sun. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too. 'It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from. "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success.' It's a hugely busy time for Johannes, who is currently touring the UK with the Kinky Boots musical while creating his new film. However, he has reassured Strictly fans he's remaining on the BBC show and will be competing in this year's series, which will launch in September. (Image: BBC) Appearing on This Morning in July, Johannes chatted to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley about his future on Strictly, with Ben saying: "Please reassure us you're going to be in the line-up and are definitely going to be part of it!" Johannes then responded: "They'll have to drag me off that show with my sequins," before adding: "I'm not going anywhere! My life would be dull. That is a sparkling world that I live in and I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every single year, to be called back." Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018 and has competed alongside celebs such as Montell Douglas and Annabel Croft. He reached the final in 2021 with John Whaite, coming in second place. Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
Scottish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Popular Strictly pro set to have their inspiring life story told on BBC in ‘pinch me' moment
Plus scroll down to read about a new drama about the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings 'A BEACON OF LIGHT' Popular Strictly pro set to have their inspiring life story told on BBC in 'pinch me' moment Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE rose from humble origins in South Africa and endured years of homophobic bullying in school before becoming a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. Now Johannes Radebe will likely have his life story air on the BBC. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Johannes Radebe rose from humble origins in South Africa Credit: BBC 5 He endured years of homophobic bullying in school before becoming a Strictly Come Dancing favourite Credit: Getty 5 Johannes reached the final with chef John Whaite in 2021 Credit: Getty 5 John and Johannes lost out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice Credit: Splash The South African pro was persuaded to stay on the show this year despite a busy schedule that saw him making his biopic and touring the nation with musical Kinky Boots. I exclusively revealed two years ago how Johannes' life story, based on his autobiography, Jojo: Finally Home, was under way. This week, he said: 'It's a 'pinch me' moment. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too. 'It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from. "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success.' Johannes joined Strictly in 2018. In 2021 he reached the final with chef John Whaite, where they lost out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice. Strictly's Johannes Radebe heartbroken as family are BANNED from entering country and miss his big opening night of show NEW TAKE ON PUB BOMBING THE team behind BBC's Line Of Duty are planning a drama about the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings. Simon Heath, who heads up World Productions, believes it's time viewers learnt more about the 21 victims of the IRA attack. 5 Six men from Northern Ireland served 16 years in prison after being wrongly convicted for the bombing in 1975. They became known as the Birmingham Six. The new drama will focus on the lives of the victims and their loved ones who have campaigned for justice. Brummie Simon said: 'Everyone knows about the Birmingham Six, but the families of the 21 victims still don't know who planted the bombs. 'They don't get the publicity they deserve. But there's a script and we're going to try. 'I just want to support the city. 'I don't think it has had a fair crack of the whip.' LARRY LAMB says his turn as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will likely be his last on the box. The actor said he would consider taking on small stage parts 'to keep my face in' but insisted that he's happy to let others perform the 'bigger roles' and head into retirement. NATURE'S CALLING DOUGIE SHARK! Celebrity Infested Waters ended up being far more than just another TV job for Dougie Poynter. The ITV series, which starts tonight at 9pm, follows celebs as they take to treacherous waters off Bimini in the Bahamas. Facing the beasts has changed the McFly and I'm A Celeb winner forever. He said: 'I came back and it hit me so hard that I'm not still out there doing it. I think I want to do nature stuff for the rest of my life, in any sort of capacity. 'Any trip I do or TV show, I hope it has a nature element in it, because that's what I'm happy doing. 'I feel connected to what we actually are, just creatures of Earth, without sounding cheesy. 'I'm sharing the planet with all these other things that are way more fascinating than myself.' CILLIAN'S DREAM CILLIAN MURPHY swapped the brutality of Peaky Blinders for a children's animation, so his kids have the chance to enjoy his work. The actor, best known as Tommy Shelby in the gritty saga, lends his voice to play Dad in Kensuke's Kingdom. Cillian said: 'I had read Kensuke's Kingdom to my boys when they were little and they were enthralled by it. 'I wanted to be involved in the film version so they could see it, and also because I don't really make that many films for kids.' An adaptation of Michael Morpugo's book, follows a young boy who is shipwrecked on a remote island after falling overboard during a family sailing trip. He discovers he's not alone when he encounters Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier who has lived there since World War Two. It lands on the BBC next month. LONG-RUNNING Aussie soap Neighbours filmed its last ever scenes on Friday after being scrapped for a second time. Amazon Freevee picked up the teatime favourite from Channel 5 but weren't happy with its ratings. The closing chapter will air in December.
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Popular Strictly pro set to have their inspiring life story told on BBC in ‘pinch me' moment
HE rose from humble origins in South Africa and endured years of homophobic bullying in school before becoming a Strictly Come Dancing favourite. Now Advertisement 5 Johannes Radebe rose from humble origins in South Africa Credit: BBC 5 He endured years of homophobic bullying in school before becoming a Strictly Come Dancing favourite Credit: Getty 5 Johannes reached the final with chef John Whaite in 2021 Credit: Getty 5 John and Johannes lost out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice Credit: Splash The South African pro was persuaded to stay on the show this year despite a busy schedule that saw him making his biopic and touring the nation with musical Kinky Boots. I exclusively revealed two years ago how This week, he said: 'It's a 'pinch me' moment. "The beginning stages are happening now and BBC Films have just jumped on board too. Advertisement Read More on TV 'It simply means that my people, who helped me get where I am, are worthy and they can dream because I know where they come from. "There are a lack of role models and they feel like they can't achieve anything but I hope this is like a beacon of light for them to say all of you contributed to me and my success is your success.' Johannes joined Strictly in 2018. In 2021 he reached the final with chef Advertisement Most read in News TV Strictly's Johannes Radebe heartbroken as family are BANNED from entering country and miss his big opening night of show NEW TAKE ON PUB BOMBING THE team behind BBC's Line Of Duty are planning a drama about the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings. Simon Heath, who heads up World Productions, believes it's time viewers learnt more about the 21 victims of the IRA attack. 5 Six men from Northern Ireland served 16 years in prison after being wrongly convicted for the bombing in 1975. Advertisement They became known as the Birmingham Six. The new drama will focus on the lives of the victims and their loved ones who have campaigned for justice. Brummie Simon said: 'Everyone knows about the Birmingham Six, but the families of the 21 victims still don't know who planted the bombs. 'They don't get the publicity they deserve. But there's a script and we're going to try. Advertisement 'I just want to support the city. 'I don't think it has had a fair crack of the whip.' LARRY LAMB says his turn as Mick Shipman in Gavin & Stacey: The Finale will likely be his last on the box. The actor said he would consider taking on small stage parts 'to keep my face in' but insisted that he's happy to let others perform the 'bigger roles' and head into retirement. Advertisement NATURE'S CALLING DOUGIE The ITV series, which starts tonight at 9pm, follows celebs as they take to treacherous waters off Bimini in the Bahamas. Facing the beasts has changed the McFly and I'm A Celeb winner forever. He said: 'I came back and it hit me so hard that I'm not still out there doing it. I think I want to do nature stuff for the rest of my life, in any sort of capacity. Advertisement 'Any trip I do or TV show, I hope it has a nature element in it, because that's what I'm happy doing. 'I feel connected to what we actually are, just creatures of Earth, without sounding cheesy. 'I'm sharing the planet with all these other things that are way more fascinating than myself.' CILLIAN'S DREAM CILLIAN MURPHY swapped the brutality of Peaky Blinders for a children's animation, so his kids have the chance to enjoy his work. Advertisement The actor, best known as Tommy Shelby in the gritty saga, lends his voice to play Dad in Kensuke's Kingdom. Cillian said: 'I had read Kensuke's Kingdom to my boys when they were little and they were enthralled by it. 'I wanted to be involved in the film version so they could see it, and also because I don't really make that many films for kids.' An adaptation of Michael Morpugo's book, follows a young boy who is shipwrecked on a remote island after falling overboard during a family sailing trip. Advertisement He discovers he's not alone when he encounters Kensuke, a former Japanese soldier who has lived there since World War Two. It lands on the BBC next month. LONG-RUNNING Aussie soap Neighbours filmed its last ever scenes on Friday after being scrapped for a second time. Advertisement
Daily Maverick
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Young rugby fans will lead Boks onto the field on Gqeberha Test weekend
Two lucky eight-year-olds will lead the Springboks onto the field in Gqeberha this weekend after winning a Rugby SA mascot competition. Johannes Barnardt and Lingomso Makananda will accompany the captains ahead of the men's and women's matches, creating unforgettable moments as their rugby dreams come to life on the big stage. As the Springbok men's and women's teams prepare for a thrilling rugby weekend in Gqeberha – with the women set to take on Canada and the men facing Italy – two lucky young boys will be living out their rugby dreams in front of thousands of fans. Thanks to a recent Rugby South Africa competition inviting mothers to enter their children as potential match-day mascots, eight-year-olds Johannes Barnardt from Gqeberha and Lingomso Makananda from Cape Town will have the honour of running hand-in-hand with the national team captains as the squads take the field. For Johannes, the news came as a complete surprise. His mom, Lezane Barnardt, spotted the competition on Facebook on the final day and entered him on a whim – then promptly forgot about it. Two days later, while attending to a client, she received a call. 'I never answer calls when I'm with a client, but something told me to pick up,' she said. 'Thank goodness I did! When I heard he had won, I was so excited, the client was excited – we were all just celebrating!' Johannes initially looked at his mom in disbelief. 'I didn't even know she entered me!' he said. But once the excitement sank in, 'that's all he started speaking about', Barnardt shared. For the Barnardt family, the moment carries extra meaning. They recently moved to a new area where rugby isn't offered at school. 'I miss playing, and my friends,' Johannes admitted. 'So now I get to run out with my rugby heroes – that's amazing.' His mom, dad, Igin and three-year-old brother Brian will all be in the stands cheering him on. In Cape Town, Lingomso is equally excited about running onto the pitch, especially with his hero, Siya Kolisi. 'I love him so much, he's so cool and really good at rugby! I'm so excited,' he said. His mother, Sivu Makananda, recalled how stunned he was when she broke the news. 'He was dumbstruck. That's the same reaction I got when I told him he was a top achiever at school,' she laughed. 'He's an extroverted child, but when it's something really special, his reaction builds slowly.' Makananda rallied friends and family to enter on Lingomso's behalf. 'It truly takes a village,' she said. 'We can't wait to travel to the lovely Gqeberha and share this experience with him.' Also making an appearance this weekend will be the official Bokke Impi, Sibusiso Kotelo, whose imposing presence is as memorable to many as the national anthem. This will be his first time with the team in Gqeberha. 'I've heard so much about the rugby culture there, and I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself,' he said. 'People say the stadium is one of the most beautiful in the country.' Kotelo, who became the official Impi in 2024, described the experience as exhilarating. 'It's sheer adrenaline, absolutely breathtaking as you step out and hear thousands cheering.' For him, the role goes far beyond performance. 'My favourite part is the people. It's bumping into someone at the mall who wants a photo, or an elderly fan saying your run-out means as much to them as the anthem. That's powerful.' And yes, the Impi must train, too. 'It's all about the abs and popping muscles,' he laughed. 'But you warm up fast. The cold doesn't stand a chance against the energy of the crowd. 'This role is an honour I wear with pride. To help introduce the most iconic team in the world – it's something I'll treasure for life.' DM
