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.’
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.’
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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