Strictly John Whaite says he ‘fell in love’ with dance partner Johannes Radebe and ‘spent time apart’ from his fiancé Paul Atkins after the show
John Whaite has revealed how he fell in love with his dance partner Johannes Radebe during their time together on Strictly Come Dancing.
The baker, 34, teamed up with the South African ballroom pro, 36, during the 2021 series and says he almost fell victim to the show’s infamous curse.
John, who was dating his fiancé Paul Atkins at the time, said the couple “spent some time apart” after the series ended.
The Great British Bake Off star shared how he “still loves” Johannes, but believes regular contact would be disrespectful to his partner.
He candidly discussed his time on the show with Johannes, saying, “I fell in love with him (Johannes).
Candid: John Whaite has revealed how he fell in love with his dance partner Johannes Radebe during their time together on Strictly Come Dancing
Long-lasting love: John, who was dating his fiancé Paul Atkins at the time, said the couple “spent some time apart” after the series ended
“I can’t speak for him – because I’m not legally allowed to – but it felt like there was love.
“We had similar stories growing up — the homophobia, the bullying, coming out, coming to terms with our sexuality — like any queer kid would.”
He added, “I still love Johannes. Sure I will.’
John and Johannes were the first ever male same-sex couples on the show and made it to the finals before being defeated by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
The TV personality admitted his feelings to Johannes to Paul and the couple spent some time apart during the aftermath of the honest talk.
Paul moved back in with his parents, while John recalled “drinking bottle after bottle of sauvignon blanc on the terrace.”
However, John has said the couple managed to put the issue behind them because he didn’t want to throw away the history they had together.
John confessed that while he and Johannes still talk occasionally, he would be willing to end their friendship if Paul started wrestling.
He said: “I love him dearly and I adore the ground he walks on, but I have to bear in mind that there is more than just my own desires to take into account and whether it would be difficult for Paul to contact to have with John. , then it is a sacrifice I must make.’
The show has become synonymous with the “curse” that sees celebrities divorce their current partners after their time on the program.
The show has been linked to 14 splits over the course of 20 series.
Although John and Paul have been able to work through their relationship problems, Johannes does not date anyone in public.