From the high-pressure dance floors of international competition to the dazzling spotlights of the West End, Johannes Radebe has built a career defined by resilience and a relentless drive for excellence. The 38-year-old performer, widely recognized for his charisma on Strictly Come Dancing, is currently captivating audiences in a role that blends his professional dance expertise with a larger-than-life theatrical presence.
Radebe is currently starring as the glamorous drag queen Lola in the rebooted production of Johannes Radebe Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum. The show, directed by Nikolai Foster, tells the story of Charlie Price—played by 2010 X Factor-winner Matt Cardle—who attempts to save his father’s failing shoe factory in Northampton through an unlikely collaboration with Lola. The production is a vibrant exploration of prejudice and acceptance, bolstered by a hydraulic stage and neon lighting designed by Ben Cracknell.
While Radebe’s presence on stage is characterized by “wattage” and fire-truck red sequins designed by Robert Jones and Tom Rogers, the performer remains candid about the vulnerabilities and mishaps that occur behind the curtain. In a recent reflection on his journey, Radebe opened up about the lessons learned from professional failures and the personal milestones that define his success beyond the applause.
The Highs and Lows of the Spotlight
For a performer whose career is built on precision, Radebe admits that not every moment has been seamless. One of his most enduringly embarrassing memories occurred during a performance of Burn the Floor in Australia, where his trousers split on stage. The incident served as a stark reminder of the practicalities of professional costuming.
“I had always been warned to wear my flesh underwear. I did not that day,” Radebe recalled.
This transparency extends to his internal struggles. Radebe has spoken about dealing with impostor syndrome and a personal tendency to default to “worst-case scenario” thinking—a trait he is actively working to unlearn. Despite these challenges, he describes himself using three specific words: driven, authentic, and resilient.
A Journey from South Africa to the West End
Radebe’s path to the London stage began in South Africa, where he established himself as a powerhouse in the Latin dance circuit. He achieved the title of South African Amateur Latin Champion three times and secured the Professional Latin Championships twice. His transition to television began with two seasons on Strictly Come Dancing South Africa before he joined the UK version of the franchise in 2018.
Beyond the dance floor, Radebe has sought to document his life and struggles through writing. In 2023, he published his memoir, Jojo: Finally Home, offering a deeper seem into his identity and the journey toward finding stability and belonging.
One of the most significant milestones in his life was the approval of his UK citizenship. Radebe revealed that the process took eight years and required a substantial financial investment. When he received the news while visiting home in South Africa, his mother described the achievement as his “glitterball,” equating the legal milestone to the highest prize in the dance competition that helped make him famous.
Defining Success and Personal Values
Despite the glamour of the West End and the fame of Strictly Come Dancing, Radebe views his greatest achievement not as a trophy or a role, but as a gift to his family: building his mother her dream home. This focus on family and empathy informs his worldview; when asked what trait he most deplores in others, he cites a lack of empathy and compassion.
Now living in London and remaining single, Radebe maintains a grounded perspective on aging. While many in the entertainment industry fear the passage of time, he views getting older as a privilege and expresses a sense of peace with his appearance, stating that he has learned to love himself as he is.
Production Highlights: Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum
| Role/Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor (Lola) | Johannes Radebe |
| Lead Actor (Charlie Price) | Matt Cardle |
| Director | Nikolai Foster |
| Costume Design | Robert Jones and Tom Rogers |
| Lighting Design | Ben Cracknell |
| Venue | London Coliseum |
The production has been praised for its energy, with Radebe’s performance described as captivating. While the chemistry between the leads is central to the plot, the show as well features notable contributions from Scott Page as George and Courtney Bowman as Lauren, who provide comedic relief through commedia dell’arte-esque sequences.
For those looking to witness Radebe’s West End debut, the production of Kinky Boots continues its run at the London Coliseum until July 11. This role marks a significant evolution for the dancer, moving from the structured environment of competitive Latin dance to the complex, narrative-driven world of musical theatre.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on Johannes Radebe’s transition to the stage in the comments below. Do you think Strictly stars are the best fit for West End musicals?