Johannes Radebe has been flooded with love and support from his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars and fans after sharing a major announcement.
The professional dancer is set to return to the famous ballroom later this year but he hasn't had much rest from performing as he's spent the rest of the year so far taking on his first-ever theatre role.
Johannes made his stage debut at the start of the year in Kinky Boots, a musical based on the 2005 film which tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherited a shoe factory from his father, and forms and unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots.
The 37-year-old was described as being ‘born to play the role’ of drag queen Lola in a glittering four-star review from the M.E.N earlier this year.
And now it's been revealed that Johannes will make his musical theatre debut in the West End as it was announced that he'll be taking on the role of Lola again next March for a limited time only.
The spectacular show will strut its way into the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026, with a week of previews at Curve, Leicester from March 3.
Following the announcement, Johannes took to Instagram to share his own message. He shared: "I left my township in Zamdela at the age of 21, to dance in the ensemble on a cruise ship. Every night we did ABBA. That was my dream come true.
"Never then, nor since then, was it in my wildest dreams that I would have the opportunity to star in a musical in London’s West End. And not just any musical - my favourite musical. Kinky Boots.
"My involvement in Kinky Boots has been six years in the making, and Lola was the only role I ever wanted to play. Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper have written a show about accepting people for who they are, and the love our production has received across the U.K. has been overwhelming, beautiful and life changing.
"The theatre community has welcomed me, and I am having the time of my life. It is the greatest honour and responsibility to bring the show to the world famous, iconic London Coliseium theatre. I’ll be walking in the footsteps of theatre and entertainment giants who have performed on that stage, and I’ll be doing it in my own sequined pair of red, leather Kinky Boots. I cannot wait. Thank you, and see you next year."
The support soon came flooding in from her famous pals. Strictly co-star Dianne Buswell said: "Proud! My red head twin. Love you so much," while Kai Widdrington replied: "You have always been and always will be a star my friend. Thoroughly deserved."
Lauren Oakley posted: "Wow wow wow. What an achievement, and so deserved. Proud to know you friend." Nancy Xu typed: "Goooo my friend!!! FLY HIGH!!!!!!" It Takes Two host Fleur East commented: "Omg!!!! Fabulous news!!! Can’t wait. Congratulations. You deserve all of the success."
Former Strictly pro and Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse shared: "Zamdela would be proud." West End star Marisha Wallace commented: "So proud of you JoJo! Welcome to the West End baby." Strictly winner, actor and presenter Ore Oduba gushed: " Johannessssssss [crying emojis]. London isn’t ready…. So proud of you."
Fans were also delighted by the news. @oliviacoon said: "I am beyond proud of you @johannesradebe!! Watching you in this role has been something I will never forget! Now go and do what you do best and enjoy living out your dreams! Lots of love
