STRICTLY TEARS: Johannes Radebe Nearly Quit Show After Family Tragedy—But Partner Annabel Croft Saved Him

Johannes is a beloved Strictly star(Image: Daily Mirror)

As a beloved fixture of the BBC dancing extravaganza, whispers surrounding Johannes Radebe's potential departure from Strictly sparked anxiety amongst devoted viewers.

Supporters were left heartbroken by claims the professional was departing the renowned ballroom following suggestions he felt 'overwhelmed' and was pursuing alternative opportunities.

Despite the rumours, Johannes has subsequently stepped forward to confirm he is "not going nowhere". Nevertheless, last year he nearly considered stepping away from the sparkle and spectacle of the dance floor for heartbreaking circumstances.

A devastating family bereavement prior to the 2023 series left Johannes questioning whether he could carry on.

During an instalment of Jessie and Lennie Ware's Table Manners podcast, Johannes disclosed that his cousin had tragically taken his own life, just weeks before he was due to appear on television. To compound the emotional complexity, Johannes was that year partnered with tennis professional, Annabel Croft, who had recently suffered the loss of her husband, former America's Cup sailor, Mel Coleman, after a heartbreaking cancer battle, reports the Mirror.

Johannes dancing with Annabel Croft(Image: PA)

Still grappling with his own recent loss, Johannes was concerned he wouldn't be able to provide the necessary support for Annabel, who was also grieving, and contemplated taking a break.

Johannes revealed: "When they said I'm dancing with her, I was like, 'What are they trying to achieve?' And I say that because two weeks before I started, I buried my cousin who committed suicide.

"I didn't feel anything, I wasn't as excited as I normally would be, because I was like, this is supposed to be the most exciting period, I've just come back off a very successful tour. But I had to then go home [South Africa]."

He went on to say: "I could have stayed out there for longer but after we buried him, I had to fly back to the UK and do my audiobook. That was hard, and when Strictly started, I was just like, 'Okay, just felt like I was going through the motions'. So, you can imagine when they said the partners I was just like 'ok great'. I just really wanted to deal with it, but you never allow yourself the time to deal with whatever you are going through in your life.

"And yeah, they said we think that you're the person to partner with this woman. I just said to myself, they're reaching. I remember calling my agent, I was like, 'I don't know what's going to happen. Maybe we should say that I shouldn't get a partner this year because I just really need some time out'."

In the end, Johannes chose to proceed with Strictly, and he and Annabel, who secured 4th place, formed a strong friendship through their shared experiences of loss. Johannes mused: "I mean, a lot of people say, 'Oh Johannes, you helped Annabel' but no, Annabel helped me."