Strictly Come Dancing viewers have claimed one star has quit the show live on air after delivering a “goodbye” message.
During last night’s results show, Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe exited the series but fans think the professional dancer has quit for good.
While speaking to Tess Daly before their last dance, the BBC One star expressed: “To my Strictly family, I’m forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Picking up on the moment, one fan said on Reddit: “It really sounds like Johannes doesn’t intend to be back
next series currently.”
Another person agreed: “I got the impression too that he was saying goodbye to this chapter of his life.”
Somebody else wrote on X: “#Strictly, so that’s Johannes leaving at the end of the series yeah?
“He looked at ease and that speech seemed like he was laying the way for an announcement in a few weeks? What a sad loss if so. Wonderful man and dancer.”
Yet another commented: “I hope it’s not Johannes’ last year on #Strictly? The way he said to my Strictly family and saying thank you etc. I hope he’s not leaving!”
While a fifth added: “It kinda sounded like Johannes might be leaving the show after hearing the goodbye speech. I really hope not. #Strictly.”
Johannes joined the long-running show back in 2019 and has become a firm favourite with fans over the years.
His celebrity partners have included Catherine Tyldesley, Caroline Quentin, Ellie Taylor and Montell Douglas.
He’s made it to the final on two occasions with John Whaite and Annabel Croft, but has never won the show.
This isn’t the first time the South African dancer has sparked fears he could quit the programme.
Last year, he revealed his memoir, Jojo: Finally Home was being adapted into a film, which will feature musical numbers choreographed by him.
He previously told Deadline: “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.”
He will also be starring as Lola in the upcoming production of Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum in March 2026.
Alex and Johannes found themselves in the bottom two in last night’s results show, alongside Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon.
After a tense dance off and with three votes to one, it was revealed that they would be leaving the competition.
Despite Anton du Beke choosing to save them, it wasn’t enough as Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas all opted to save Balvinder.
When asked by Tess about her time on the show, Alex said: “I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long.
“It’s been just the most incredible journey for me.
“I feel quite proud of myself because I’ve loved the process, I mean 100%, you can tell by my smile.
“Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.”
Strictly Come Dancing: Musicals Week airs on Saturday at 6:50pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
