16 August 2023 , 18:37
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Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe made a return to social media after his former dance partner John Whaite confessed to falling in love with him while being in a relationship.
Former Bake Off winner John made history two years ago when he and professional dancer Johannes became the first same-sex couple on the BBC dance floor. He shocked fans when he admitted to developing feelings for Johannes during his time on the series, despite having a long-term partner prior to competing on the show.
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". The couple have since reunited. John makes the revelations in his new memoir, set to be released next month.
Johannes broke his social media silence with an event announcement (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The two were the first same-sex dance couple on Strictly in 2021 (BBC/Guy Levy)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". Taking to social media on Tuesday, John told his followers "context is everything" as he urged fans to pre-order his book.
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And now, after several weeks away from social media, Johannes made a comeback to announce special guest Clara Amfo will be joining him for the launch of his own book, JoJo Finally Home. "The amazing Clara Amfo will be joining me for the evening at the launch of my new book, JoJo Finally Home," he wrote.
"As an award-winning broadcaster, podcaster and television presenter, Clara has interviewed some of the world’s most amazing artists and is currently hosting the Future Sounds show on BBC Radio 1."
He added alongside a poster of the evening: "I’m a long-time friend of Clara’s and feel excited and honoured to share the stage with this fabulous lady on what is going to be a very special night. During the evening, I look forward to talking about my personal story and my experiences growing up. With a chance to ask your own questions, you will also hear about how dancing has led me to places I never thought possible, both personally and professionally."
His announcement comes after John revealed he and his partner of 15 years, Paul Atkins, "spent time apart" after the series ended and after he realised he was in love with Johannes. Speaking about his experience in the dancing competition, he said: "I fell in love with him [Johannes]. I can't speak for him – because I'm not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there.
"We had such similar stories growing up; the homophobia, the bullying, coming out, coming to terms with our sexuality, as any queer kid would." John then stated: "I still love Johannes. Of course I do." John further astounded his fans when he admitted that he had cheated on his partner. Early on in their relationship, before they were engaged, John found himself 'testing the boundaries' and admitted that soap stars and minor celebs would make his eyes wander.