Johannes Radebe BBC Strictly return confirmed amid exit rumours as full pro dancer line-up announced
Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe is returning to the BBC dancing competition alongside his famed co-stars for another year – despite fears of his exit.
The South African dancer was paired with Gladiators star Montell Douglas during last year’s series and finished in sixth place.
His return to the series will leave long-term fans thrilled, as many feared he would be leaving the series due to his packed-out schedule.
Radebe’s popularity surge saw him swamped with work over the last few months, including a seven-month tour of the stage show Kinky Boots: The Musical, as well as turning his life story into a movie.
According to The Sun, a source said: “Johannes’s big issue was how to juggle all his work commitments beyond Strictly with taking part in the show itself.
“Although he always wants to be a part of the contest, he found himself in a difficult situation at the end of 2024 because he has so many projects coming up over a 12-month period.
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“Strictly bosses were concerned he might not be able to commit to returning to the show — but after a lengthy discussion with Johannes, both show bosses and the dancer can now make it work.”
The source added: “Above anything else, they felt that he hadn’t quite reached the stage that so many other pros get to where they are perceived as being bigger than the programme.
“He’s very much still viewed as being one of the family of pros and hasn’t had any special treatment in agreeing to make his return.”
The BBC confirmed today that Radebe will be returning to the series this year alongside Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Radebe has yet to post anything about his return to the show on his social media, however, Marquez was quick to share his delight over the news.
He posted an image of himself in his PVC trousers from last year’s performance with Dr Punam Krishan and said: “STRICTLY 2025. Excited to be back for my 10th Series! Let the countdown begin. PS: @bbcstrictly get those PVC trousers ordered in every colour.”
Bychkova – who was the first to leave the competition with her partner Tom Dean – penned on her page: “SO EXCITING!!!
“Thankful to be back on the biggest show on TV. I can’t wait for another spin around the Strictly sun. Looking forward to working with the new pros too… they are going to LOVE it.
“Two of the things I enjoy most about life are dancing and teaching and that’s what the show is all about so here’s to another season of magical moments and memories. Is there anyone you’d like to see in the new series? Strictly 2025 here we come.”
Dowden, who returned to the show last year with partner JB Gill but had to withdraw due to medical issues, also posted about returning to the show.
She expressed: “So grateful to be back on the best show on TV for my 9th year with my Strictly family. @bbcstrictly
“This show means everything to me, through the highs and my all time lows, it truly got me through my toughest of times.
“The show is pure magic and good for the soul. I’m feeling stronger than ever.
“The countdown begins to be back in the rehearsal room with my strictly family. Who else is counting down the days?” (sic)