Speculation has surged among Strictly Come Dancing fans after Sunday evening’s results show, when professional dancer Johannes Radebe appeared to deliver what many viewers interpreted as a farewell to the series.
The 38-year-old South African’s words during his elimination alongside celebrity partner Alex Kingston immediately sparked concern across social media.
Joannes, affectionately known as “Jojo,” addressed his “Strictly family” in an emotional speech that many felt went beyond the usual goodbye following a couple’s exit from the competition. Several viewers suggested he might be saying farewell not just to this year’s show, but to the programme entirely.
His words and delivery sparked widespread speculation about whether the beloved professional might be leaving the BBC show for good.
During the heartfelt moment, Radebe expressed his gratitude to Alex Kingston, saying: “Thank you, because I’ve never grinned as much in my life as I have in the last couple of weeks. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. I appreciate the laughs. I will hold on to the memories.”
After Kingston remarked, “These memories are just the beginning for us,” Radebe turned to his fellow professionals. “To my Strictly family, I’m very grateful,” he said, repeating his thanks several times.
The emotional speech drew an audible response from fellow professional Carlos Gu, who is partnered with Karen Carney this series.
“We love you,” Gu called out to Radebe during the touching moment.
The exchange ended with Radebe thanking both Kingston and presenter Tess Daly.
Fans quickly took to social media platform X to share their concerns about what the heartfelt address might signal.
Speculation has intensified among Strictly Come Dancing fans after Sunday’s results show, when professional dancer Johannes Radebe appeared to deliver what many viewers interpreted as a farewell to the series.
The 38-year-old South African’s emotional words during his elimination alongside celebrity partner Alex Kingston immediately sparked concern across social media.
Radebe, affectionately known as “Jojo,” addressed his “Strictly family” in a speech that many felt went beyond the usual goodbye following a couple’s exit, with some fans suggesting he might be saying farewell not just to this year’s show, but to the programme entirely.
During the moment, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kingston, saying: “Thank you because I’ve never grinned as much in my life as I have in the last couple of weeks. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. I appreciate the laughs. I will hold on to the memories.”
After Kingston commented, “These memories are just the beginning for us,” Radebe turned to his fellow professionals, adding, “To my Strictly family, I’m very grateful,” repeating his thanks multiple times.
The emotional speech prompted a reaction from fellow professional Carlos Gu, who is partnered with Karen Carney this series, calling out: “We love you.” The moment concluded with Radebe also expressing thanks to presenter Tess Daly.
Fans immediately took to X to share their concerns about what the address might signal. Comments included: “That sounded like a final farewell from Johannes! Is he going?” and “I got the feeling that it’s Johannes’ last series. Really sad if he does go, but I wish him well.” Others noted his subdued demeanour this series, with one fan writing, “I so hope not, but he’s been very quiet this series. He’s my favourite pro dancer.”
Johannes Radebe joined the Strictly professional roster in 2018, having previously appeared on the South African edition of the show. His first celebrity partnership came in 2019 with Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley, followed by pairings with Caroline Quentin, John Whaite, Ellie Taylor, Annabel Croft, Montell Douglas, and Alex Kingston.
In 2021, Radebe made television history when partnered with Great British Bake Off champion John Whaite, creating the programme’s first same-sex pairing.