Strictly’s Johannes Radebe breaks down in tears when he reveals his mother is ‘alone’
Strictly’s Johannes Radebe burst into tears when speaking in Loose Women on Thursday about his mum Jacobeth, who he said is “alone”.
The professional dancer, 36, appeared on the show to talk about his new book Jojo: Home at last.
Johannes cried as he delved into the backstory of his autobiography, which details the experiences and challenges he faced while growing up in Zamdela, South Africa, with a passion for dance.
Reflecting on his childhood, the Latin champion said, “It’s so far from the life I’m leading now, I can take care of my family, my mother is comfortable.
“I was bullied for being a little fun and flamboyant. Dance was my refuge. I hated school, but I am so thankful to my teacher for calling people up.
Emotional: Strictly’s Johannes Radebe burst into tears as he spoke about his mother Jacobeth in Loose Women on Thursday
Family: The professional dancer, 36, appeared on the show to talk about his new book Jojo: Home at last and his close relationship with his mother
Of his sexuality, he said: ‘It was frowned upon, even by some of my relatives, but now I’m in the fortunate position of being accepted.
“While I was writing the book, I sat down and she was interviewed and I asked her questions like, ‘Why did you make that decision? Why did you stay so long in a marriage that hasn’t served you?’
Johannes choked as he said, “It is only recently that I have made peace with what has happened to the past.
“Because I got a chance to hear my mother’s side of the story.”
Panelist Katie Piper asked, “Was it difficult to talk to your mom about that?”
Johannes became emotional: ‘It was. It was. And I have dedicated the book to my mother because I want to applaud her love.
“Great things have happened in my life, but my family is never there to enjoy them with me. My mom is alone and that’s the reality, but I’m so happy and I’m proud of her.’
Keep dancing: After his interview, Johannes put on some heels and showed off some moves with Kelly Holmes
Heartbreaking: Johannes endured homophobic physical and verbal abuse during his childhood
Torn: “It was frowned upon, even by some of my relatives, but now I’m in the fortunate position of being accepted,” said Johannes
Missing mother: ‘Great things have happened in my life but my family is never there to enjoy it with me, my mother is alone and that’s the reality,’ he said
Earlier this year, Johannes spoke of his “horrible” school days in South Africa, where he faced homophobic physical and verbal abuse.
The dancer has been open about his sexuality during his time in the popular BBC competition and was chosen in 2021 alongside baker John Whaite for Strictly’s first same-sex couple.
But growing up in the township of Zamdela, near Johannesburg, Johannes said he had to “dive and dive” from the bullies who called him a “sissy boy” and “hit” him “many times.”
Speak with The guard on his latest solo venture, a tour called Freedom Unleashed, Johannes explained that despite the bad times, he was still “covered with love” from his mother.
He said, ‘I had to duck and dive. School was horrible. They (the bullies) used to say to me, “Oh, sissy!”
The dancer added that if he was far enough away he would hit them back with a brutal reply: “But if I was close I would have been hit, which I have many times.”
Johannes also added that he still has friends living in his native South Africa who still endure homophobic abuse, and that he is happy living in Britain.
“You have a long way to go, but people are making room for each other to coexist,” he added.