Strictly Come Dancing favorite Johannes Radebe has announced he has become a British citizen but insisted “my roots will always be South African”. Her career began as a dance teacher in Johannesburg, before she spent 7 years dancing on cruise ships. Before moving to the UK, he won the Professional South African Latin Champions title twice and the Amateur Latin South African Champion title three times.
The 38-year-old professional dancer joined for the first time BBC dance competition in 2018 and has since become a fan favorite. Since then, he has made history as part of the show's first all-male partnership with Great British Bake Off winner John White in 2021.
Johannes Radebe has announced that he has become a British citizen (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
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Now, eight years after moving to London, the TV personality has officially become a British citizen. are taking Instagram On Friday afternoon (February 27), the dancer shared footage from her citizenship ceremony, where she wore a sleek white suit, paired with white heeled boots and a matching cape.
After completing her citizenship ceremony, she marked the milestone occasion by taking her friends and family to dinner at the Hilton, where they proudly waved Union Jack flags and celebrated with a bottle of fizz. Along with the footage, he shared a long post on what his new title means to him.
He wrote: “I left South Africa with a heart full of hope and a dream too big to say out loud. I didn't know how the story would unfold, only that I was brave enough to start it. Britain welcomed me. It challenged me. It shaped me. Through Strictly, I not only found a platform, but a voice and the chance to grow in front of millions of people.
“Today, I stand as a citizen of the United Kingdom. And I didn't stand there alone. I was surrounded by the family I chose… people who love me, who support me, and who give their time and trust so that I can move forward easily. None of this was achieved alone.”
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Strictly star celebrates milestone with family and friends (Image: Instagram)
“My roots will always be South African – my foundation, my fire, my first rhythm. But Britain has become my place of belonging, the place where my artistry flourished and where my future now lies. At my citizenship ceremony, I pledged to respect the rights and freedoms of the United Kingdom and uphold its democratic values.”
He continued: “Those words mean something to me. It's not just citizenship. It's gratitude. It's growth. It's a shared sacrifice. It's proof that courage, when paired with opportunity and connected with love, can change the direction of life.
“I come with pride where I come from. I embrace where I stand with humility. And I move forward – not just as a dancer, not just as an artist, but as a person who dared to start and was welcomed enough to become that. Thank you (United Kingdom flag and South Africa flag).”
It didn't take long for a multitude of her famous friends and fans to pour into the comments to congratulate her. Stacey Dooley wrote: “We're lucky (heart emoji)” while Kai Widdington said: “Come on (heart emoji)”.
Meanwhile, 2024 winner Ellie Taylor gushed: “Ahhh, JoJo!!! Huge congratulations, you're a top geezer” as Karen Hauer added three applause emojis. Carol Vorderman said: “Hello, wonderful man, and congratulations (heart emoji)” as It Takes Two host Janet Manrara said: “Wonderful news, my beautiful friend!! (prayer emoji, white heart emoji).”