Johannes Radebe lands Strictly presenting role as Kinky Boots star celebrates major BBC move

20-05-26

There can be few performers in British entertainment quite as beloved as Johannes Radebe.

Already a household name thanks to his time on Strictly Come Dancing, the South African dancer has won audiences over with his warmth, charisma and infectious enthusiasm. Now, while dazzling theatre audiences nightly as Lola in Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum, Johannes has landed another major career milestone.

It was announced yesterday that Radebe will join Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe as one of the new presenters of the BBC’s hit entertainment juggernaut Strictly Come Dancing later this year.

For anyone who has seen Johannes command a stage, the news feels like a natural next step.

The announcement sparked celebrations at the London Coliseum, where Radebe is currently leading the cast of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Kinky Boots. During Tuesday night’s performance, co-star and X Factor winner Matt Cardle took to the stage during the curtain call to pay tribute to his friend and castmate, drawing huge cheers from the audience.

It’s easy to see why audiences have fallen so hard for Johannes in the role of Lola. His performance combines powerhouse vocals, dazzling stage presence and genuine emotional warmth, creating a character that feels both larger than life and deeply human.

Matinee Musicals has already celebrated the production, awarding Kinky Boots a glowing five-star review and praising its uplifting message of friendship, acceptance and individuality.

Based on the true story that inspired the hit 2005 film, Kinky Boots follows struggling factory owner Charlie Price as he teams up with drag performer Lola in a bid to save his family’s failing shoe business. Featuring a score by music icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the musical remains one of the most joyful and affirming shows in modern musical theatre.

Alongside Radebe and Cardle, the current London Coliseum cast includes Courtney Bowman as Lauren, Billie-Kay as Nicola, Billy Roberts as Don, Rachel Izen as Pat, Jessica Daley as Trish, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Mr Price, Scott Paige as George and Liam Doyle as Harry.

With Kinky Boots continuing its limited London run until 11 July, audiences still have the opportunity to catch Johannes in what has become one of the most talked-about musical performances of the year before he steps into his latest television role.

If his success on the dancefloor and stage is anything to go by, Strictly viewers are in for a treat- Kinky Boots continues at the London Coliseum until 11 July 2026.

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