Johannes Radebe has said ‘it was wild’ as the Strictly Come Dancing star opened up about what went into him becoming an official British citizen.

The professional dancer, who hails from South Africa and is a firm favourite among fans having joined the hit BBC One dance show in 2018, revealed last week that he had been attending a very important ceremony as he confirmed he had officially become a British citizen.

Alongside a video of the moment his citizenship became official, the star wrote on Instagram on Friday (February 27): “I left South Africa with a heart full of hope and a dream too big to say out loud. I didn’t know how the story would unfold, only that I was brave enough to begin it.

“Britain welcomed me. It challenged me. It shaped me. Through @bbcstrictly, I found not just a stage, but a voice and the chance to grow in front of millions. Today, I stand as a citizen of the United Kingdom. And I did not stand there alone.

“I was surrounded by the family I chose…people who love me, who supported me, and who gave their time and belief so I could simply get on with it. None of this was achieved alone.”

He continued: “My roots will always be South African – my foundation, my fire, my first rhythm. But Britain has become my belonging, the place where my artistry flourished and where my future now stands. At my citizenship ceremony, I pledged to respect the rights and freedoms of the United Kingdom and to uphold its democratic values.

“Those words mean something to me.This is not just citizenship. It is gratitude. It is growth. It is shared sacrifice. It is proof that courage, when paired with opportunity and held up by love, can change the course of a life. I carry where I come from with pride. I embrace where I stand with humility. And I step forward — not just as a dancer, not just as a performer but as someone who dared to begin, and was welcomed enough to become. THANK YOU.”

Now, Johannes has been heard speaking about gaining his British Citizenship as he appeared on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday (March 2) ahead of making his West End debut.

He told host Lorraine Kelly of the process: “It is hard. I had to study, I had to lock myself in and learn everything from the Bronze Age to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It was wild.

“I feel so beautifully welcomed by this country and I’ve always said that. My mum is the happiest of all, she knows the journey that it took… If something happens, I will be back to Africa. That is the biggest fear because my career is here and this is where my art has flourished. The fast I’ve been afforded the opportunity to continue that and to add to the British society, I am here for it.”

Meanwhile, Johannes, who returned to Strictly for his ninth series last year, has also seen his career blossom away from the famous ballroom. He is currently preparing for his West End debut as he is set to reprise the role of drag queen Lola in hit musical, Kinky Boots, for a limited time only.

It was announced last year that the spectacular show, which featured a score by Girls Just Wanna Have Fun icon Cyndi Lauper, will strut its way into the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026, with a week of previews at Curve, in Leicester, from next Tuesday, March 3.

“I am living a dream,” Johannes told Lorraine. “We did not think this would have been possible because it has been many years in the making. We’re happy there’s a revival of this beloved musical coming back to the West End. It’s loved by so many people and we can’t wait to share this version of it. Previews kick off tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3) and we open on March 17.”