Entertainment
The signs pointing to John Whaite and Johannes Radebe’s ‘love’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
John recently revealed that he fell in love with his former Strictly partner.
Former Strictly star John Whaite revealed he fell in love with Johannes Radebe (Picture: BBC/PA/Getty)
Strictly Come Dancing runner-up John Whaite recently revealed that he ‘fell in love’ with former pro Johannes Radebe.
The Great British Bake Off winner, 34, and the dancer, 36, became the first all-male pairing on the BBC ballroom show in 2021, finishing in second place after Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
John, who was in a relationship with long-term partner Paul Atkins at the time, admitted: ‘I fell in love with him. I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there.
He continued: ‘So yes, I fell in love with Johannes. I still love Johannes. Of course I do.’
The baker said he told Paul, a graphic designer, about his feelings toward Johannes which resulted in them agreeing on some ‘time apart’, which John said he spent ‘sat on the patio, drinking bottle after bottle of sauvignon blanc.’
The couple, who are now engaged, eventually reconciled, with John telling The Times: ‘I look at Paul and what he’s put up with over the years and how he’s nurtured me and stood by me, and who would throw that away? I couldn’t.’
Following John’s bold revelation, let’s five deep into his former relationship with Johannes.
Does Strictly’s Johannes Radebe have a partner?
The two were the first all-male pairing on the BBC ballroom show in 2021 (Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)
Dancer Johannes is thought to be single, but it may just be that he’s decided to keep his personal life private.
In June 2021 during Pride month, Johannes wrote for Metro.co.uk about the significance of his first heels routine on Strictly. He says it was his way of publicly coming out as gay.
The pro wrote that because of the ‘nurturing and supportive atmosphere’ he grew up in, where he was ‘loved and embraced’ his entire life, he never felt as though he ‘had to formally come out’ to his mum or his friends.
‘I knew that as soon as I put those heels on and danced with my red “Pose” fan to a rendition of Blondie’s Rapture, that everyone else would find out I was gay,’ he said.
However, he’s also spoken about the ‘shame’ he’s felt surrounding his sexuality and ‘self-expression.’
He told the Loose Women panel earlier this year that he now feels ‘ready’ for romance.
‘I feel like I’ve arrived there [wanting to find love] now, I blame it on internalised homophobia, and I have hated myself for such a long time,’ he said.
‘I’m in a better place and I also deserve some love.’
What has John Whaite previously said about the Strictly curse?
John and Paul announced their engagement in 2017 (Picture: Instagram)
The Strictly curse refers to celebrity contestants and professional dance partners striking up a romance while either or both are in a relationship.
During the competition, John put all rumours to bed in an interview with The Sun, and insisted his fiancée, graphic designer Paul had nothing to worry about.
John said: ‘When you spend that much time with someone, you see them warts and all. I think I’ve burped in Johannes’ face
‘I might have even farted at one point. There is no attraction because you see sweat and everything. If you could see our sweaty underpants, you wouldn’t find us sexy.’
What has Johannes Radebe said about John Whaite?
Choreographer Johannes Radebe hasn’t addressed John’s recent claims (Picture: Getty)
Despite missing out on the Glitterball Trophy, John and Johannes won the hearts of millions of viewers and have remained firm friends ever since.
Following the 2021 final, the dancer reminisced about his journey with John with a very sweet post on Instagram.
He penned: ‘Now that Strictly rehearsals have started, I’ve been thinking back to last year when I had the pleasure of meeting @john_whaite.
‘I can’t believe it’s been a year since John came into my life and what a fabulous and truly special Strictly journey we had.
‘There were moments during the show which took my breath away, including the overwhelming support we received.’
Johannes started a selection of photos of the pair together, continuing: ‘Not only is John an amazing dancer, he is an incredible friend and I can’t imagine a life without him in it.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC and iPlayer later this year.
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