STRICTLY Come Dancing glides onto BBC One this Saturday (September 19), and fans are buzzing with anticipation – and a few questions.

Those queries include whether fan-favourite Johannes Radebe has retired from dancing after stepping into a brand-new role as a Strictly co-host.

Johannes (left) is part of the new hosting lineup alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe Credit: PA

Johannes as Lola in hit musical, Kinky Boots Credit: Getty

Has Johannes Radebe retired from dancing?

Speculation began earlier this year when the BBC announced a major shake-up in the ballroom following the departures of long-standing presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

When Johannes was revealed as part of the new hosting lineup alongside Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe, many assumed that moving behind the mic meant he was stepping away from professional dance.

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Add to that his theatrical debut starring as Lola in the hit musical Kinky Boots across the UK and the West End, and viewers questioned whether the ballroom champion was pivoting to musical theatre and presenting.

But while the South African star is might be swapping his competition shoes for a mic, viewers can rest assured Jojo hasn’t retired from his rumba days.

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‘I’m not going nowhere!’

Johannes has been quick to reassure his fans that dance remains the beating heart of his career.

Addressing the rumours, the 39-year-old made his position clear: “I love Strictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and as long as the body will allow. I’m not going nowhere!”

While he won’t be competing on the dance floor this autumn, taking on presenting duties represents an expansion of his talent rather than a retirement from dance.

Jojo continues to perform on stage including in the lead role in Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum.

He also leads his own acclaimed solo dance tours.

When did Johannes join Strictly?

Since joining Strictly in 2018, Johannes has grown into one of the show’s most cherished figures.

From making history with Bake Off winner John Whaite – with whom he reached the final in Strictly’s first all-male partnership – to dazzling runs with Annabel Croft and Montell Douglas, his warmth and energy have won over millions.

Moving into a presenting role keeps one of the show’s biggest personalities front and centre.

Addressing speculation over his role, which at one time was rumoured to be more of a “roving reporter”, fellow new co-host Emma Willis told The Rest Is Entertainment that Johannes’ experience would prove invaluable.

“There’s definitely no backstage ‘roving reporter’,” she said, “which is what has been reported quite a bit. That’s not a thing.”

The claim had circulated following suggestions he could use his close relationship with the dancers to interview contestants behind the scenes.

Willis added: “There is no one that knows the show, for the three of us, better than him. I mean, he’s very well versed.”

You can catch Johannes making his presenting debut when Strictly returns for its 2026 launch show on Saturday, September 19 at 7.25pm on BBC One.