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Born in South Africa, Johannes Radebe, 38, was South African Amateur Latin Champion three times and won the Professional Latin Championships twice. He spent two seasons on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa before joining the UK version in 2018. In 2023 he published his memoir, Jojo: Finally Home. Having toured the UK and Ireland in the Olivier-, Grammy- and Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots, he reprises the role of Lola at the London Coliseum until 11 July. He is single and lives in London.
When were you happiest?
When my UK citizenship was approved. It’s taken me eight years and lots and lots of money. I was at home in South Africa when I received the news and my mum said, “I am so happy for you because this is your glitterball.”
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My default will always be to go for the worst-case scenario and that is something that I am unlearning.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lack of empathy and compassion.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
When my trousers split on stage in Burn the Floor in Australia. I had always been warned to wear my flesh underwear and I did not that day.
Describe yourself in three words
Driven, authentic, resilient.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
At my age, I’ve learned to love myself as I am.
What is your most unappealing habit?
A fag when I’m stressed.
What scares you about getting older?
Absolutely nothing. It’s a privilege.
What is the worst thing anyone’s ever said to you?
I’ll never amount to anything. Who? He was my rival at dance school. It hurt and is something that I’ve always had in the back of my head to defy.
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
My father because I was 12 when he passed and I blamed him for everything in my parents’ marriage. Now I realise he did the best he could and was just figuring life out like everybody else.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My mother – my reason for everything.
What does love feel like?
Home.
What was the best kiss of your life?
A chap from the Eastern Cape.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Do you know what I mean?
What is the worst job you’ve done?
In South Africa I washed cars, I danced in parking lots and shopping malls, and was a children’s entertainer.
When’s the last time you changed your mind about something significant?
I almost pulled out of my first solo tour because of impostor syndrome.
How often do you have sex?
Not as often as I should.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Building my mum her dream home.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Sex and money are welcomed.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who cared boldly about people, stood firmly for what he believed in and lifted others when they needed help.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Always try.
What happens when we die?
I would like to believe that you reunite with the people you love the most.
