(Image: BBC)
BBC Strictly Come Dancing star shouts 'plot twist' over Johannes Radebe admission amid feeling 'homesick'
by Jessica Sansome · Manchester Evening NewsJohannes Radebe has joked he felt like he was 'meeting his in-laws' after he was left feeling 'homesick' during his return to Strictly Come Dancing for the 2024 series.
The professional dancer has been paired with Gladiators star Montell Douglas for the BBC One dance contest this year and the pair have been impressing the judges and viewers with the performance in the famous Strictly ballroom.
Last weekend, the pair were given the opportunity to close week five of the show's 20th-anniversary series, and they definitely brought the party with a carnival-inspired couple’s choice routine.
Their performance, to Skeleton Move by KG and Zanda Zakuza, was dedicated to Gladiator star Montell's grandmother who died last year as she expressed her wish of bringing the love of her family to those watching.
Following the performance, Motsi Mabuse praised the routine, saying Montell and Johannes had "exploded with energy" on the dancefloor before they were awarded a near-perfect score of 39 out of a possible 40 points.
Reflecting on their emotional night, the duo spoke to Janette Manrara on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Wednesday (October 23). But during their chat, it quickly turned to Johannes meeting Montell's family, which was shown in their VT before their performance.
"I don’t want to tell lies, when I first went to meet them I felt like I was meeting my in-laws!" Johannes gushed to which Janette laughed and added: "Plot twist!"
Johannes went on to share of his first meeting with Montell's family: "It was the most gorgeous day and I did feel homesick. And firstly because it was a plate of food that was delivered to me while I was sitting on the couch and they said, ‘eat, my son!’ It honestly felt like home. I love this woman, I love all your family and I do feel like a part of the family because everyone was so welcoming."
It comes after Johannes spoke out in awe of his co-stars Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, who put on a tear-jerking performance on Saturday night (October 19), while also reflecting on his and Montell's routine. Sharing pictures of himself and Montell in action on the dance floor, as well as photos of Chris and Dianne during their Waltz to Liverpool anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone', the professional dancer shared on Instagram: "Once again @bbcstrictly made me very proud because it celebrated two of the things that make it so great; its diversity and inclusivity this past weekend.
"@diannebuswell it's incredible what you continue to achieve with @chrismccauslandcomedy sublime darling, well done. @montytrackstar I'm so proud of you, I could burst and like @shirleyballas said, you were exceptional. Keep going partner."
He added: "So happy we got to share the love and joy of music and dancing with the nation esp. as we're also celebrating Black History Month. To the Caribbean and African Diaspora this was to salute you. A massive thank you to everyone who helped bring the vision to life with your creative and expertise."