BBC Strictly Come Dancing star denies rumours and says 'story isn't true'

A BBC Strictly Come Dancing star has denied quitting rumours - insisting he is "going nowhere". BBC viewers have reacted with delight to the news, rushing to praise his denial of the rumours, which have surfaced in recent days as Strictly Come Dancing 2024 continues.

Johannes Radebe has faced speculation he could quit the show as his star becomes too big for the programme. But the dancer, who hails from South Africa, has moved to issue a denial to fans via his Instagram page, where he keeps followers updated.

Johannes - nicknamed Jojo - has spoken out after speculation emerged about him leaving the BBC competition series. In the video, he said: "I'm not going nowhere! The story isnt true - I love Strictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me - and the body will allow.

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"I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline yes but nothing will take me away." In the clip, Johannes continued singing before adding: "It's a lie." One fan typed in reply to Johannes' denial: "Oh this makes my heart leap that you’re staying."

A second replied to the pro dancer, who is said to be Queen Camilla's favourite dancer on the show: “Thank god love you so much I’m glad the news isn’t true.” A third replied in the comments underneath the clip: "Thank god! I would stop watching."

And another posted: “Glad to hear it! The show wouldn't be the same without you." A Strictly insider said to the Sun newspaper this week after the reports broke: “Johannes is hugely loved on the show and there isn’t an atom of bad feeling about him leaving.

“Both he and the show’s bosses realise he is overwhelmed with work as a result of his soaring popularity and wish him all the best. But nobody can ever get so big that they continually take up too much limelight - the star of the show must always be the show itself."