Strictly Come Dancing 2021: John Whaite fears for public reaction over ‘sexy’ rumba with Johannes Radebe

John Whaite revealed his fears of what viewers might think of his upcoming Strictly Come Dancing performance with Johannes Radebe.

The Great British Bake Off winner is preparing to perform a rumba with the professional dancer to Shape Of My Heart, by Sting.

Appearing on Steph’s Packed Lunch, the 32-year-old teased that the routine is ‘very sexy’, which has made him worry about what fans will think.

‘The dances we’ve done so far have been very masculine, very powerful, a pally one with the American smooth,’ he told host Steph McGovern, as well as guests Anton Du Beke and Janette Manrara. 

‘Whereas this is our first intimate dance. I’m a little bit worried about that because – of course we have intimacy, me and Johannes, we have that relationship – but you’ve got to let yourself go, as Janette and Anton have both said. 

‘You have to just accept that it’s close. And I’m a bit worried about what people might say about it. It is still two 6ft 2ins blokes getting close and cuddly.’

John shared his fears over his ‘sexy routine’ (Picture: Channel 4)

John’s co-stars were having none of it, insisting the pair should let viewers ‘talk’.

The contestant also made light of their closeness as Steph joked that they could end up ‘snogging’ during the routine.

‘I’m quite scared for that though because it is an intimate dance,’ he said. ‘It’s very sexy, it’s very intimate, and that’s what I’m worried about, is just letting myself go and not looking like an idiot.

‘Or end up snogging him or something,’ host Steph interjected.

The pair have become firm Strictly favourites (Picture: BBC)

‘Well, I know! It could happen,’ he jokingly replied. ‘You never know. Anton will have to prise us apart!

‘I’ll make sure I won’t have anything strong to eat because I’m kind of in his face, so no mackerel or garlic.’

John’s comments come after Johannes also spoke of being worried about the public reaction to their performances in the past.

In a candid chat with Hello! magazine, the professional dancer predicted that criticism would ‘come from all sides’ before they stepped foot on the dance floor.

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‘There was no doubt in my mind that the dance side of it would work, but I was scared of the reaction it could bring,’ he told the publication.

‘I thought criticism would come from all sides. After speaking to my therapist I realised what was holding me back was still feeling ashamed.’

Despite this, Johannes added that he ‘couldn’t let this opportunity go to anyone else’.

Seeing as they have been smashing it during every performance, we’re so glad he didn’t!

Steph’s Packed Lunch continues on weekdays at 12.30 on Channel 4.

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