Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe responds to BBC1 show exit claims

Johannes Radebe has addressed rumours that he will leave Strictly Come Dancing after the current series. The professional dancer, who joined the show in 2018, is a fan favourite.

He made history three years later with baker John Whaite when they became the first all-male partnership to compete on the BBC One dance contest, making it to the final. Johannes is currently training for week eight of Strictly's 20th-anniversary series with his celebrity dance partner Montell Douglas, having survived last weekend's dreaded dance-off during the first-ever 'Icons Week'.

However, he felt compelled to respond to circulating rumours that he plans to quit Strictly next year as he takes on his first major stage role in Kinky Boots. On Thursday evening (November 7), Johannes shared a clip from the rehearsal room with his Olympian dance partner Montell on Instagram.

In the clip, he can be seen singing along to certain words of a song before stating: "I'm not going nowhere! " Alongside the post, which featured a screengrab of the headline in question, he wrote: "I'm not going nowhere! The story isnt 'true' - I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me - and the body will allow. I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline yes but nothing will take me away. Love you all Jojo Xx".

The 37 year old Strictly star was met with a barrage of support from colleagues, with many responding with crying laughing emojis to mock the unfounded rumours. Fans were quick to express their relief that Johannes isn't leaving, showering him with praise, reports the Manchester Evening News.

On social media, @liv. dainty voiced their denial of the gossip: "didn't believe any of it anyway, as you always say jojo you're not going anywhere! the only place you're going is for craigs' job! ! Love you so much."

@kate.roons shared their joy: "Oh this makes my heart leap that you're staying." @shirleighshirlz succinctly commented: "PHEW." Meanwhile, @oliviamc_12_xx relievedly posted: "Thank god love you so much I'm glad the news isn't true."