Strictly’s Johannes Radebe fights tears in show admission after Alex Kingston ‘diva’ claim

The pair are among the couples heading to Blackpool for the BBC One show’s annual special

Strictly’s Johannes Radebe on It Takes Two(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe was left fighting tears as he discussed heading to Blackpool with Alex Kingston after her hilarious ‘diva’ claim.

The professional dancer and the actress are among the seven couples who were confirmed to be heading to the seaside town as part of the show’s annual special.

Alex and Johannes sealed their place in week nine of the competition following their latest live performance on Saturday night (November 15) which saw them earn 35 points for their waltz to Barry Manilow’s Weekend In New England.

Head judge Shirley Ballas commented on Alex’s “beautiful” footwork and said she had goosebumps during the performance, while Craig Revel Horwood added: “The footwork was so clean. It was full of elegance… I’m really loving this partnership.”

It was on Sunday (November 16) during the latest results show that Alex and Johannes were confirmed to have made it through to Blackpool this Saturday (November 22) as the remaining couples perform in the famous Tower Ballroom.

It’s since been revealed that the pair will perform a couple’s choice routine to History Repeating and Look At Me by Propellerheads.

Talking about what fans can expect during an appearance on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Tuesday (November 19), Johannes said: “With Matt [Flint], you must trust movement but he’s going down the jazz route and what he’s done is play to Alex’s strengths and it’s lovely to work with someone who’s done their homework.”

Alex and Johannes teased their upcoming performance in Blackpool(Image: BBC)

He went on: “So, in this dance, what I want people to see is how far along Alex has come in this competition and the fact that she can stand alone now. I call her a dancer because she is a non-dancer but to see her be comfortable in her body that way, I just want people to experience that.

“I think Matt has nailed it in terms of conceptualising it because I think Alex looks phenomenal.” It is then when Alex chipped in: “I’m going to be a very big diva!” which prompted laughter.

Host Fleur East then confirmed it will be the fourth year in a row that Johannes has made it through to Strictly’s Blackpool special and Johannes became emotional as he spoke about what it means for him to go back there.

“It means the world to me,” the 37-year-old said. “As a young boy, this has always been my dream. So when I tell you Fleur, every time I get an opportunity to jump on that train, go up to Blackpool, for me, it’s a thrill.”

He admits to sending pictures to his friends showing him where he is – from the Blackpool Tower to the Winter Gardens – and as he got emotional: “It’s always just a moment for us… I can’t. I have no words, I’m getting emotional talking about it. But it’s beautiful!”