John Whaite says 'context is everything' after falling for Strictly partner

15 August 2023 , 17:01

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John has released a memoir (Image: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

John Whaite has said "context is everything" after admitting he fell for dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Great British Bake Off winner has released a memoir where he has spoken about finding fame and also falling in love with professional dancer Johannes Radebe. He has admitted he cheated on his fiancé with "soap stars and celebrities" after finding fame.

In an Instagram story, John said "context is everything" while sharing a link to his new book, encouraging fans to read up on what he has been through. The baker said he split from his partner Paul Atkins for a while after "falling in love" with Johannes on the BBC dancing show. However, Paul and John have managed to sort their relationship out and are now back together and engaged.

John posted a link to his book on his Instagram (Instagram/john_whaite)

John said he fell for Johannes (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

He had been with his now fiancé Paul for five years at the time when he was on Strictly in 2021 and has said he "tested boundaries" of their relationship. After finding fame when he was just 23, John said he was thrown into a world of "freebies, champagne hampers, meals out and holidays". Speaking with The Times, he said there were "drunken fondles and experiments with various soap stars and celebrities", saying that he got "somewhat swept away with it all".

John also talked about developing feelings for his dance partner whilst on Strictly. After the show came to an end, John said he spent "some time apart" from Paul, who moved back in with his parents, while John "sat on the patio, drinking bottle after bottle of sauvignon blanc".

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But they have now got through their difficult times and are stronger than ever. Meanwhile, John says he is still in touch with Johannes but said he would "cut all contact" if it became "tricky" for Paul.

Many couples have fallen victim to the so-called 'Strictly curse' over the years as celebrities spend several weeks with their professional partner in the studio and on the dance floor. During 20 series of the BBC programme, 14 couples have split up after taking on the challenge of Strictly Come Dancing.

Charlotte Everett