Jump directly to the content

STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe has sparked fears he could quit the show after revealing his memoir is being turned into a film.

The dancer, 37, first shared the incredible news that Jojo: Finally home is being adapted for the big screen last year and has now revealed more details.

Johannes Radebe's memoir is being turned into a film
4
Johannes Radebe's memoir is being turned into a filmCredit: Instagram
It is unclear what it will mean for his time on Strictly
4
It is unclear what it will mean for his time on StrictlyCredit: Rex

The movie, which is currently being called Finally Home, will feature musical numbers choreographed by Johannes.

Anthony Kimble’s Arrested Industries and Oscar-nominated Helena Spring Films have bought up the rights and Johannes will be an executive producer on it.

He told this week: “Growing up gay in the townships of South Africa was not an easy ride, but there were so many good things about my life there, and it has made me the person I am today.

“I never imagined my story would end up on the big screen, so I am greatly appreciative of this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with Helena and Anthony over the coming months.”

Read More on Strictly

Shooting is expected to take place in South Africa – and it is unclear at this stage if it will impact his time on the BBC dance show.

Johannes joined Strictly in 2018 and made his first competitive appearance with ex-Coronation street star Catherine Tyldesley, 39, the following year.

Since then he has become a fans’ favourite and, in 2021, he reached the final with John Whaite, 34, losing out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 28.

And last year he was paired with former tennis star Annabel Croft – but later admitted he considered quitting the show when he found out he would be with her.

Speaking on the Table Manners podcast, Johannes revealed he was struggling with grief after the loss of his cousin, while Annabel was also going through a hard time after the loss of her husband.

He said: “When they said I'm dancing with her, I was like, ‘What are they trying to achieve?’ And I say that because two weeks before I started, I buried my cousin who committed suicide.

Strictly fans worried for star ‘on the verge of tears’ during ‘emotional’ show

“I didn't feel anything, I wasn't as excited as I normally would be, because I was like, this is supposed to be the most exciting period, I've just come back off a very successful tour. But I had to then go home [South Africa].”

He added: “And yeah, they said we think that you're the person to partner with this woman. I just said to myself, they're reaching. I remember calling my agent, I was like, ‘I don't know what's going to happen. Maybe we should say that I shouldn't get a partner this year because I just really need some time out.’”

Despite his concerns the pair grew very close and reached the semi-finals of the show.

He previously said he felt like quitting when partnered with Annabel Croft
4
He previously said he felt like quitting when partnered with Annabel CroftCredit: BBC
He has had huge success during his time on the show
4
He has had huge success during his time on the showCredit: BBC

Who's confirmed for Strictly 2024?

WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:

Topics