Strictly’s Johannes Radebe and Kai Widdrington stun viewers with same-sex routine
The pair danced together as part of an elegant routine to open Saturday's Movies week show.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: BBC
Strictly Come Dancing belonged to one man on Saturday (9 October): professional dancer Johannes Radebe. Not only did he choreograph a sensational Paso Doble for his celebrity partner, Bake Off‘s John Whaite, but he also led the pros in a glorious routine and danced with fellow male professional Kai Widdrington.
Opening Saturday’s Movie week, a mainstay on the series, Johannes invited all the professionals to a Regency-era ball complete with flowing gowns and smart suits.
Set to Taylor Swift’s songs ‘Lover’ and ‘Love Story’, the routine saw Johannes dance with Kai Widdrington, one of the show’s newest male professional dancers in a sweet and emotional dance.
“Simply incredible well done”
In the introductory video, Johannes explains the dance, which takes place in a magical palace is all about love and tolerance.
Transitioning into the routine the dance elegantly swirl around the floor before bowing to Johannes as he enters.
Johannes Radebe and Kai Widdrington (Photo: BBC)
Widdrington comes forward and extends his hand for Johannes who then glide around the stage set to a soaring rendition of Taylor Swift’s music. As the rest of the professional dancers join in in their own same-sex couples.
Johannes is visibly moved and emotional at the end of the number.
Posting on Instagram Johannes paid tribute to the show’s creative director, Jason Gilkison, saying the routine was “simply incredible well done”. Johannes also thanked Widrington, a friend of his who had previously toured together in 2015.
He added: “Kai your kindness humbles me my dear friend and thank you for being a true ally to my community and the idea of same-sex partnership long before camera’s and lights…❤️ runs deep, thank you for holding me up boo and ladies he is single 😉 X”
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Johannes was part of the show’s first professional same-sex dance in 2019 when Johannes, who is gay, danced with fellow pro, Graziano de Prima, who is straight. At the time, Johannes said he’d never felt so “liberated” despite it attracting more than 200 complaints from viewers.
You can watch the full routine below:
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