Strictly pro Johannes Radebe shares Queen Camilla's unusual request

16 February 2024 , 14:28

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Johannes Radebe has revealed a special request from Queen Camilla (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe has revealed a special request from Queen Camilla after joining the panel of ITV's Loose Women for a special edition of the show, which also featured I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner Sam Thompson as a panellist.

Loose Women regulars Kaye Adams and Nadia Sawalha made up the panel with the two boys and there was soon interest in Johannes' meet up with Queen Camilla when she was at a charity event supporting the work of the Royal Voluntary Service. Kaye asked the pro dancer about the moment who had an audience with the Queen and the dancer said: "I was just in awe at Her Majesty. The way she gave up her time to other people. The way it didn't feel rushed at all and I just stood there in admiration at her and thought this beautiful. She did say that I should come and teach her how to tap dance. So I said I would avail myself, thank you very much."

Queen Camilla, President of the Royal Voluntary Service is presented with a pair of tap shoes by dancer Johannes Radebe (Getty Images)

Johannes previously spoke about the meeting, which was before King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. The Strictly dancer said: "I saw the responsibility she has on her shoulders, how she dedicated her time and was really listening to people. She went around and shook everyone's hands. I really admire her."

When hearing about the Queen's desire to learn to dance, Johannes presented her with a pair of beige tap-dancing shoes. He said at the time: "She said she'd wear the shoes and commit herself to learning. She spoke very fondly of dance and how it's good for you."

Johannes is now turning his mind to finding romance after Strictly Come Dancing begins to wind down until the autumn. He has cited his Strictly partner Annabel Croft as the inspiration to find himself a partner in love. Speaking about this desire, Johannes said: " I went on one date with a gentleman, and it was lovely. It's now about me doing this a lot more. Meeting the beautiful Annabel, I was reminded to live again. She's encouraged me to be more social, and since then my life has changed. I've started going out, but needed someone to tell me that."

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Johannes is ready to settle down now that he can call the UK his home after passing the government's citizenship test. The South African said: "I had to learn about British history, from the bronze age to Winston Churchill and the late Queen's Jubilee. It was fascinating. I can live in the UK, open a bank account, get a mortgage, and I couldn't be happier. So I really am finally home."

James Brinsford