Johannes Radebe, the beloved professional, has shared his heartfelt experiences from the past week on the hit series. After a tense dance-off on Sunday’s episode, Johannes and his celebrity partner, were in jeopardy despite their high score of 37.
They faced off against and Michelle Tsiakkas, but ultimately, the judges decided to keep Johannes and Montell in the competition, propelling them into Musicals Week. However, the journey was not without its emotional toll.
During an appearance on Wednesday’s Johannes opened up about the strain of the competition, admitting: “I’m going to be honest, I have been a blubbering mess, for the past three dance-offs and this woman here has been like, ‘It’s not over!”
When Coleen Nolan probed about the source of his emotions, Johannes acknowledged feeling responsible for his partner’s fate, saying: “You’ve let her down, yeah. This is not my first rodeo I’ve never pushed somebody like I’ve pushed Montell. But it’s not that, it’s how she’s pushed me as a trainer.”
BBC Strictlys Johannes Radebe a blubbering mess as is issues emotional statement to Montell (Image: ITV)
He went on to reveal that Montell has been the driving force during rehearsals, often encouraging him to continue when roles are typically reversed. Johannes expressed his deep belief in Montell’s potential, concluding with a heartfelt sentiment: “That is why, so I believe with every fibre in my being that I’ve got a champion in my hands. That is lovely.”
Christine Lampard broached the subject of Montell’s repeated appearances in the dreaded dance-off, asking if prior experience made it any easier, reports .
Montell responded: “It does I think, It never gets easier. I don’t think it’s easier but I definitely think mindset for sure comes in straight away. He (Johannes) always jokes that I’m coaching him on the dance-off! I’m like, ‘We’ve got this’.”
Despite Montell and Johannes managing to stay another week in the contest, it was curtains for Jamie and his dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas.
Montell confessed being in the dance-off “never gets easier” (Image: ITV)
The pair, who scored a total of 32 for their routine, failed to win over the four judges and were sent packing after performing their dance once more.Reflecting on his time on the show, the soap star was full of admiration, stating: “Strictly is magic. That is all I can say. Strictly is magic.
“Not just everyone who you see in front of the camera, these four here – the judges, but everyone who works on this show. I have such a good bond and relationship with and that’s what made me want to do this show, it’s the people, not what I’m doing. I’ve had the best time.
“I could ramble on all day about this one [Michelle]. She’s a new pro and she’s absolutely been the most amazing teacher. We have laughed like you wouldn’t believe. I have nothing but the utmost respect for everyone on the show, so thank you.”
Jamie and Michelle were the latest couple to be voted off (Image: (Image: BBC))
Echoing his remarks, Michelle also expressed her admiration, saying: “I just want to say it goes without saying Jamie is an amazing dancer, and he’s improved so much week by week. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is.
“She further shared her personal experience on the show, adding: “It’s my first year with a partner and I’ve realised that it’s so much more than just the dancing and the technique, it’s the bonds and the friendships that you make. I waited two years for a partner and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
returns next Saturday evening at 7.05pm on One and iPlayer.