07 September 2023 , 13:40
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Strictly Come Dancing Johannes Radebe struggled to hold back tears on Loose Women as he admitted he finds it difficult to celebrate his career milestones without his family by his side.
The Ballroom and Latin dancer joined the Loose Women panellists Kaye Adams, Dame Kelly Holmes, Katie Piper and Nadia Sawalha to talk about his memoir Jojo: Finally Home. Johannes admitted his relationship with his father was "difficult" before opening up on how emotional it was to interview his mother while he was writing his memoir.
He said: "It’s only recently that I've made peace with what has happened in the past because I had an opportunity to hear my mum's side of the story. As I was reading the book, I sat down and interviewed her and asked her questions to say, 'why did you make that decision? Why did you stay that long in that marriage that didn't serve you?'"
Johannes Radebe opened up on his relationship with his mother (ITV)The Strictly Come Dancing star was asked if it was hard to speak to his mother in that way and he replied: "It was. I dedicated the book to my mother because I wanted to applaud her love..." Johannes was forced to stop as his eyes filled with tears.
Johannes went on to recall his mother visiting the UK and taking her to Buckingham Palace. He said: "She's obsessed with the Royal Family so it was a beautiful thing after all these years and after she built the courage because it’s the flying that she hates. She was going to come with my aunt, who passed away two years ago with Covid so my sister accompanied her and it was a ball."
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"It’s been incredible…," interrupting himself for a second time, Johannes choked up. "I'm so sorry. It's emotional because great things happen in my life, but my family's never around to enjoy it with me. Today, more than any day I just wish that she was here because I can just imagine where she is right now, she's alone and that's a reality."
Johannes grew up in Zamdela, a township in South Africa and admitted he "hated" school but, dancing became his "refuge". "When I was introduced to the world of dance, I felt that this is where I belong," he said.