It comes as the professional dancer is currently competing in the BBC One dance contest alongside actress Alex Kingston
Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe(Image: BBC)
Johannes Radebe has said he is ‘thrilled’ as news on his role away from Strictly Come Dancing was officially revealed.
The professional dancer returned to the hit show earlier this year and is currently competing in the BBC One dance contest alongside actress Alex Kingston.
The pair are impressing in the ballroom, having received their first 10 of the series – from head judge Shirley Ballas – during week four of this year’s competition.
On Saturday night (November 1), Johannes and Alex will return to the dance floor with their latest routine, a Salsa to Horny by Hot ‘n’ Juicy and Mousse T, as the show celebrates Halloween with its annual special.
But ahead of his next appearance on Strictly, Johannes shared his excitement at returning to reprise the role of Lola in Kinky Boots in a spot at the upcoming Royal Variety Performance.
Fans will be aware that earlier this year, Johannes was seen dazzling audiences up and down the country in the hit musical, in which he takes on the lead role of drag queen Lola, which he was described as being ‘born to play’ in a glittering four-star review from the M.E.N.
It was then in July that it was revealed that Johannes is set to 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.
Johannes has been playing Lola in Kinky Boots(Image: BUCHANAN PR)
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.
But ahead of his long-running return to the role, Johannes will take to the London Palladium stage with his Kinky Boots co-stars when the Royal Variety Performance returns for 2025, taking place on November 19, before being broadcast later on ITV on a date to be announced.
Sharing the news, the 37-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Thrilled and humbled to bring @kinkyboots_uk to the Royal Variety Show stage. This moment belongs to the entire cast and crew— whose passion, artistry, and heart inspired me every single day. What a privilege it will be, to share our message of love and acceptance on such a legendary stage. #RoyalVarietyShow2025.”
And Johannes was quickly flooded with support. Fellow Strictly pro Gorka Marquez said: “Bravooo,” while Karen Hauer commented: “Yes Jo Jo. Proud.” Former co-star Oti Mabuse also replied: “Proud of you baby,” while former celeb partner and Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley wrote: “So proud of you. You are incredible.”
@claire88.2023 posted: “Absolutely incredible news!!! We’re all so so proud of you. Massive congratulations! You were spectacular as Lola.” @devorahfurman shared: “Wow how amazing JoJo. What an honour you deserve nothing more.” poppy.morrison_ added: “Omg INCREDIBLE. So so deserved you STAR.”
