Johannes Radebe has sent an emotional message to fans as the Strictly Come Dancing star prepares for his return to the ballroom.
It was earlier this year that the professional dancer was confirmed to be returning to the hit dance show for the 2025 series as part of the pro line-up.
He was recently quizzed again on his Strictly future, despite it being confirmed he will be back in the ballroom when the show returns for the next run this autumn.
It came as it was revealed that he'll be making his West End debut next year in the role of Lola in Kinky Boots, which has seen him tour the country since the start of the year.
Appearing on This Morning earlier this month as the Kinky Boots news was announced, host Ben Shephard said: "There is something everyone will be talking about because you've been very busy, you've been off touring and you're going to hit the West End, Strictly is coming back soon though...
"Please reassure us you're going to be in the line-up and are definitely going to be part of it!" Johannes then responded: "They'll have to drag me off that show with my sequins!"
The 37-year-old added: "I'm not going anywhere! My life would be dull. That is a sparkling world that I live in and I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be a part of it every single year, to be called back."
Now, Johannes has been seen signalling the end of his first stint as drag queen Lola in the popular theatre show, as he took his final bow in the role until next year's return, which will start with previews at Leciester's Curve theatre before moving into the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026.
Sharing a video from his dressing room, where he could still be seen in Lola's red wig and matching sparkling outfit under a white robe, Johannes is heard saying: "Hello darlings, it's JoJo, aka Lola/Simon. I'm just dropping in to say thank you.
"Thank you for the love, thank you for the support. I see it, I read every message that comes to my phone and I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm truly, truly grateful because this tour has been amazing and I'm surrounded by incredible people.
"To you all that support the arts, that support the theatre, we couldn't do what we do without you. So I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. From Lola to you [blows kiss]."
The caption alongside the post read: "G R A T E F U L! @kinkyboots_uk," before the messages of love and support came flooding in.
Strictly co-star Gorka Marquez said: "You’re a one BIG superstar," while Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Motsi Mabuse all flooded the comments section with heart emojis.
