Entertainment
Strictly star feared deportation after being forced to take test-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro
They had to take a difficult test.
Johannes Radebe took a Life in the UK test (Picture: Lia Toby/Getty Images)
Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe recently had to take the Life in the UK test, and it was so difficult he feared deportation.
People applying for British citizenship or to settle in the UK usually have to take the assessment. Each attempt costs £50 and must be taken in an approved centre, where applicants face 24 multiple-choice questions about life in Britain and must get 18 correct in 45 minutes to pass.
The 36-year-old, who is South African, successfully passed but wasn’t entirely confident when he finished.
‘I got out of there thinking I might be deported,’ he told Guardian with a smile.
Johannes is himself an integral part of a British institution – Strictly!
As a professional dancer on the BBC series that is watched by millions every year, he’s found many fans.
Johannes and John made it to the final (Picture: PA)
The way the art form has transformed his life cannot be underestimated. Dance felt like a safe space for Johannes who was called names, chased home and threatened with violence during his childhood.
‘To get applause made me feel like somebody, for however long it lasted. I knew there was a world where I didn’t have to feel ashamed because people understood where I came from,’ he explained.
‘When I went back into the real world, everything seemed so bland. That dance world was sparkly, kind, it was accommodating.’
Annabel and Johannes made it to the semi-finals in Strictly 2023 (Picture: PA)
The Strictly dance floor was first graced by Johannes’ presence in 2018, and he was entrusted with a celebrity partner – actor Catherine Tyldesley – one year later.
He was involved in the first same-sex male partnership with Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite in 2021, and they made it all the way to the final.
The public support for them changed Johannes’ perspective and encouraged him to believe in himself more, despite his initial reluctance to be part of Strictly history due to ‘fear’ of the response.
‘After that you couldn’t touch me. I can’t tell you what it did for my confidence. Thanks to John, as well,’ Johannes, who is touring his dance show House of Joji later this year, shared.
John, 34, previously admitted that he ‘fell in love’ with Johannes, despite being in a relationship with long-term partner Paul Atkins.
‘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 honestly stated.
‘So yes, I fell in love with Johannes. I still love Johannes. Of course I do.’
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