Supermen

Groundbreakers John Whaite and Johannes Radebe on why their Strictly journey has been ‘overwhelming’...

- VICTORIA WILSON

STRICTLY COME DANCING

SAT & SUN / BBC1 / TIMES VARY / ENTERTAINMENT

John Whaite and Johannes Radebe are proud to be making Strictly Come Dancing history as the first all-male competitive pairing on the BBC1 spectacular.

That said, from the beginning of their ballroom journey, John, who won The Great British Bake Off in 2012, and South African Latin champion Johannes have vowed to let their dancing do the talking – and they have not disappointed!

At the time of writing, they have delivered a slick tango, a crowd-pleasing cha-cha, a powerful Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired paso doble, a classy American smooth and a bakery-themed Charleston, plus a spook-tacular quickstep, a spellbinding rumba and a mesmeric samba.

Here, in an exclusive interview, John, 32, and Johannes, 34, chat to TV Times about breaking new ground with their choreography, sharing sweet treats and the fate of John’s Bake Off trophy...

Is the Strictly experience living up to your expectations, John?

JOHN It’s pretty much what I anticipated. I didn’t think I would be so tired and emotional, but I am an emotional person anyway and there’s no shame in that.

I was really optimistic and it has been everything I’ve wished for – and a thousand times better!

Johannes, you joined the show in 2018. How are you finding John as a pupil?

JOHANNES John’s a brilliant student. To be able to change roles in ballroom from one hold to the other [their routines often see John switch from leading to being led] is something we should all applaud because it’s not very easy.