Oti Mabuse reveals secret role in landmark Strictly Come Dancing moment

Oti Mabuse on the red carpet at Metro Pride Awards
Oti Mabuse revealed how she helped an inclusive change take place on Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse has revealed why she was compelled to encourage Johannes Radebe to take part in the show’s first-ever same-sex coupling.

The professional South African dancer, 34, was one of the many stars on the red carpet at Metro’s first-ever Pride Awards on February 26.

Looking incredible in a yellow and pink sparkling gown, the star spoke enthusiastically about being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and how she helped Strictly to become more inclusive.

In a conversation with Metro, she revealed that she encouraged Johannes Radebe to say yes to being partnered with a male celebrity for the 2020 competition.

‘I think I wanted JoJo to be his most liberated and beautiful and bright.

‘And I wanted him to feel and to know that – because he’s from South Africa – and representation like that is so important, it should be celebrated.’

She added that the praise should be all on Johannes and that she was simply a voice of encouragement.

Oti then added that kind of representation is key for the younger generation.

‘So young boys can see that that’s ok and love is love.’

She then added that the first-ever all-male partnership of ‘Jojo’ and John Whaite in 2020 ended up being one of the most legendary in the show’s history after the pair immediately gelled.

‘He was a little nervous, but then he met John, and they got on and clicked, and they were amazing.’

EMBARGOED TO 2010 SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only BBC handout photo of John Whaite and Johannes Radebe during the dress rehearsal for Saturday's live show of BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing. Picture date: Saturday November 6, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Strictly. Photo credit should read: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.
John Whaite and Johannes Rabede were the first same sex couple in Strictly history (Picture: PA)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Oti Mabuse attends the Metro Pride Awards 2025 at the Grand Connaught Rooms on February 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
Oti looked incredible at the event (Picture: Joe Maher/Getty Images)

Appearing on the Reign podcast with Josh Smith, Johannes said in 2022 how instrumental Oti was in his decision making.

‘I remember we were talking about it and she said to me, “uh, excuse me, excuse me, who do you think is going to do this, this job? Who do you think is versatile enough to jump on this gig and slay it? Yes, it’s you and you are definitely gonna do it and for what it stands for! So you better gear up. I’m behind you and you’re doing this thing, babe.”

‘Did you see how she was crying in the finale? Her eyeliner was all down her cheeks out of sheer joy and pride.

‘It’s the most beautiful thing to know that I’ve got family around me, she’s a blessing, honestly.’

Oti Mabuse attends the Metro Pride Awards at The Grand Connaught Rooms, in Holborn, London. Picture date: Wednesday February 26, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SHOWBIZ Pride. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA Wire
The pro dancer was reunited with her I’m A Celebrity campmates at the star-studded event (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire)

While chatting to Metro at the event, she said she was delighted that a Pride award was being hosted and she wanted more light to be shone on the LGBTQ+ community.

‘I’m first of all a big, big, big ally, and I really appreciate that people are celebrated for who they are.

‘We should be doing more of that to make people feel confident in who they are, and whoever they love.’

On social media following the event, she penned a tribute to the community as she said: ‘The Metro Pride Awards are a celebration of courage, resilience, and the power of living authentically.

‘Being in a room filled with such inspiring individuals who have fought for acceptance, equality, and love is truly humbling. Their stories remind us why representation and allyship matter every single day. Here’s to those who pave the way for a more inclusive world, we honour YOU!’

Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream online on BBC iPlayer.

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