BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro shares career announcement away from show

One pro-dancer from the show has been supported by their Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after sharing an update

Johannes Radebe has been hailed as an “icon” and has once again been inundated with support after sharing news about his venture beyond Strictly Come Dancing.

The professional dancer is currently gearing up for his comeback to the beloved dance programme this autumn following his confirmation in the BBC’s professional dancer lineup for the 2025 series.

However, during his hiatus from the ballroom, he has been establishing himself as a musical theatre sensation. He spent the majority of the previous year captivating audiences nationwide in Kinky Boots.

Making his theatrical debut, Johannes embraced the leading role of drag queen Lola, with the 37 year old being hailed as ‘born to play the role’ in a sparkling four-star critique in the Manchester Evening News.

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It was subsequently revealed in July that Johannes is poised to make his West End musical theatre debut, with confirmation that he’ll be reprising the role of Lola next March for a limited engagement only. The dazzling production will make its grand entrance at the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026, following a week of preview performances at Curve, Leicester from March 3.

Then on Friday (August 29), Johannes delivered a major announcement. He reposted content from Curve confirming that Kinky Boots’ limited Leicester run had completely sold out – nearly seven months before it’s scheduled to commence.

“I guess we’ll see you in London Town,” Johannes wrote on his Instagram Story before adding: “Thank you!” This came as he shared another post from What’s On Stage, which declared: “‘Here are the West End Shows already locked in for 2026,” featuring an image of him as Lola alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ralph Fiennes.

He wrote beneath the post: “Grateful for this moment among such inspiring icons. #MusicalTheatre #Theatre #WestEnd,” whilst also posting on his Instagram Story: “Pinch me!”

Johannes’ Strictly colleague Kai Widdrington was swift to react with a goat and heart emoji, whilst Karen Hauer responded with the flame emoji. Dianne Buswell simply wrote: “Proud.”

Coronation Street actress and Johannes’ former Strictly dance partner Catherine Tyldesley replied: “YOU are an icon my friend. I pray that our youth aspire to be as hard working and wonderful as you. A true inspiration and fabulous role model.”

Meanwhile, his admirers and followers were equally eager to show their backing, they penned: “You deserve all of it, the west end is waiting babyyyy.”

Another person gushed: “No bigger icon than you @johannesradebe. Take it all in, you deserve every last bit of joy, admiration and love.” A third expressed: “You so deserve your time in the spotlight. Can’t wait to celebrate you again.”

Whole a fourth fan declared: “Exactly what you deserve after all that hard work, resilience and determination you have consistently shown! ! the west end is in for a treat.”

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and iPlayer later this month.