STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe has sparked fears he could quit the show after revealing his memoir is being turned into a film.
The dancer, 37, first shared the incredible news that Jojo: Finally home is being adapted for the big screen last year and has now revealed more details.
The movie, which is currently being called Finally Home, will feature musical numbers choreographed by Johannes.
Anthony Kimble’s Arrested Industries and Oscar-nominated Helena Spring Films have bought up the rights and Johannes will be an executive producer on it.
He told Deadline this week: “Growing up gay in the townships of South Africa was not an easy ride, but there were so many good things about my life there, and it has made me the person I am today.
“I never imagined my story would end up on the big screen, so I am greatly appreciative of this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with Helena and Anthony over the coming months.”
Shooting is expected to take place in South Africa – and it is unclear at this stage if it will impact his time on the BBC dance show.
Johannes joined Strictly in 2018 and made his first competitive appearance with ex-Coronation street star Catherine Tyldesley, 39, the following year.
Since then he has become a fans’ favourite and, in 2021, he reached the final with John Whaite, 34, losing out to ex-EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, 28.
And last year he was paired with former tennis star Annabel Croft – but later admitted he considered quitting the show when he found out he would be with her.
Speaking on the Table Manners podcast, Johannes revealed he was struggling with grief after the loss of his cousin, while Annabel was also going through a hard time after the loss of her husband.
He said: “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 added: “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.’”
Despite his concerns the pair grew very close and reached the semi-finals of the show.
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