The news is out! Tonight, as the contestants of Strictly Come Dancing 2021 made their official entrances with the professional dancers, it was confirmed that John Whaite will be partnering up with Johannes Radebe in the first ever all-male couple on the BBC show.
The pair will be making history on the show, after Nicola Adams and Katya Jones formed the first ever all-female pairing on the series in 2020.
The line-up for this year’s series of Strictly features several very strong contenders for the Glitterball Trophy, as the judges prepare to pick apart the celebs and their partners on every detail of their routines.
While Strictly was recently plunged into chaos amid the claim that two pros refused to have the Covid vaccine, fans can’t wait to watch the competition get underway.
It has been rumoured for some time that John and Johannes would be partnered up, but now that it has finally been confirmed, we can’t wait to see what they’re going to bring to the dancefloor.
Is Johannes Radebe married?
While Johannes is thought to be single, it may just be that he has decided to remain private with regards to his personal life.
In June this year during Pride month, Johannes wrote for Metro.co.uk about the significance of his first heels routine on Strictly, as for him, it was his way of coming out as gay.
The dancer wrote that because of the ‘nurturing and supportive atmosphere’ he grew up in, where he was ‘loved and embraced’ his entire life, he never felt as though he ‘had to formally come out’ to his mum or his friends.
‘I knew that as soon as I put those heels on and danced with my red “Pose” fan to a rendition of Blondie’s Rapture, that everyone else would find out I was gay,’ he said.
‘And they did! I had distant uncles from remote areas of South Africa who had previously asked why I didn’t have a wife get in touch to say they understood why now.
‘The dance itself was an overwhelmingly beautiful, powerful moment for me.’
What time is Strictly 2021 on?
Tonight’s Strictly launch show aired at 7.45pm, becoming available to watch on catch up later on BBC iPlayer.
The very first week of the live competition, which begins next week, will begin airing at 7pm on BBC One on Saturday evening.
Strictly will then continue on a weekly basis until the grand finale, when the new champion will be crowned.
Who is in the Strictly 2021 line up?
The 2021 Strictly line-up is absolutely brimming with talent, with stars including Olympian Adam Peaty, actor Greg Wise and Peep Show star Robert Webb joining the cast.
Also competing this year are TV presenter AJ Odudu, Loose Women panelist Judi Love, Hollyoaks actor Katie McGlynn and McFly musician Tom Fletcher, as well as former rugby union player Ugo Monye and BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker.
Other members of the cast include Great British Bake Off winner John, EastEnders actor Nina Wadia, Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies and EastEnders actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, in addition to TV presenter Rhys Stephenson and chef and social media influencer Tilly Ramsey.
Who are the Strictly 2021 judges?
This year marks the return of head judge Shirley Ballas to the judging panel, in addition to regulars Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.
Anton Du Beke, who was a professional dancer on Strictly and temporarily filled in as a judge last year when Motsi was absent, is also officially taking on the role as a judge this year.
He is taking the place of Bruno Tonioli, who is unable to take part due to travel uncertainty, as he lives in the US and also judges on Dancing With The Stars.
Who won Strictly 2020?
Last year, comedian Bill Bailey won Strictly with his partner Oti Mabuse after the pair astounded viewers with their impressive performances, including their unforgettable routine to Rapper’s Delight.
Their victory marked the second win in a row for Oti, who also won the previous year with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, who was a late addition to the cast after Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing had to drop out due to injury.
Jamie returned the following year, reaching the final with his partner Karen Hauer.
Strictly Come Dancing returns next Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.
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