Johannes Radebe has replied to John Whaite‘s statements that he ‘fell in love’ with him when they competed on Strictly Come Dancing together.
Former Great British Bake Off winner, 34, said earlier this month that he had fallen for Johannes, 36, after they became the BBC ballroom show’s first male partnership in 2021.
‘I fell in love with him,’ John said in an interview while still in a relationship with long-term lover Paul Atkins. ‘I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there.’
‘So yes, I fell in love with Johannes. I still love Johannes. Of course I do,’ he continued.
The professional dancer has now commented about what was disclosed about their connection a few weeks following that revelation.
Despite their ‘wonderful time’ together, Johannes emphasised the platonic nature of their bond and stated that they will be ‘friends for life’ despite the feelings that developed.
‘We have gone on to have such a beautiful experience together that it would be a shame if we were not friends after all that,’ he said.
‘What we agreed is that, regardless of what life throws at us, we will always keep [this friendship] going,’ he added when speaking to The Times.
Johannes then explained that he regularly told John they were ‘friends for life’.
‘I always say to him “I know where you live. You cannot get rid of me”, I still speak to him,’ he added.
However, in an excerpt from his new book, Jojo: Finally Home, the dancer said that he initially turned down the opportunity to be part of the series’ first male same-sex partnership because he wasn’t ‘comfortable’ and was ‘fearful’ of the reaction.
He changed his mind after being convinced by a producer.
Looking ahead Johannes stated that he was now looking for a private partner after years of struggling to accept his sexuality owing to internalised homophobia.
‘I want a partner. I want one. I need one. Every aspect of my life is great except for that. I deserve love and I never, ever thought that I deserved to be loved in that way,’ he shared.
In 2020, boxing champion Nicola Adams was matched with Kayta Jones on the BBC dance series, and Johannes and John became the first male same-sex couple the following year.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC later this year.
Source My Celebrity Life.
