Johannes Radebe was moved to tears as he was congratulated on stage after landing the Strictly Come Dancing presenting job.
The 39-year-old, who stars as drag queen Lola in Kinky Boots, was greeted by cheers from the audience and fellow cast members after they praised his new prestigious role.
On Tuesday (May 19), Johannes was officially confirmed as one of the new faces of the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance competition programme, alongside Emma Willis, 50, and Josh Widdicombe, 43.
Johannes has been a professional dancer on the programme since 2018, but he will now be leading coverage on Strictly following the departures of Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, at the end of the 2025 season in December.
Johannes Radebe moved to tears after getting Strictly job
Hours following the announcement, the Kinky Boots cast gathered for the curtain call.
X Factor 2010 winner Matt Cardle, who also stars in the musical, told the crowd about his co-star's new job.
The moments brought the Strictly star to tears.
In a TikTok video, Matt, 43, declared: "Today, we officially announce that Johannes will be stepping into an incredibly exciting new role, as the presenter of the next series of Strictly Come Dancing!"
He then went on to state some touching words which left Johannes overcome with emotion.
Matt expressed: "Being yourself is your greatest strength.
"We know the audience across the country will fall in love with you even more, just as all of us who know you have already done that."
@gracegoestothetheatre The cast of @Kinky Boots ❤️👠 in the West End celebrate Johannes Radebe being named co-host of Strictly Come Dancing! #londontheatre #musicaltheatre #curtaincall #johannesradebe ♬ original sound - Grace Goes to the Theatre
The X Factor winner then said: "We are so proud of you!"
The applause in the room then grew stronger following this.
Johannes' Kinky Boots co-star Annell Odartey presented him with a bouquet of flowers.
Johannes Radebe on getting Strictly job
A spokesperson for the BBC has confirmed that all three - Johannes, Emma, and Josh - will preside over Strictly Come Dancing when the 2026 series begins in September.
Johannes said: "To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined.
"This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.
"To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all...please bear with me. Love Jojo."
Emma Willis said how she cannot "quite comprehend" that Strictly Come Dancing bosses picked her for the role following her audition last month.
She auditioned alongside the likes of Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon.
Emma described the news as "impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind - two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long."
Josh, who took part in the 2024 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, has also spoken about his new role.
The comic stated that he is "overawed" to now be co-fronting the programme.
He said: "I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them.
"I’ll dust off the penguin costume."
What do you think of the new trio presenting Strictly? Let us know in the comments.
Share