Strictly’s John Whaite says he ‘fell in love’ with dance partner Johannes Radebe and ‘still loves him’ forcing him to and ‘spend time apart’ from his fiancé Paul Atkins after the show
John Whaite has revealed how he fell in love his dance partner Johannes Radebe during their time together on Strictly Come Dancing.
The baker, 34, was partnered with the South African ballroom pro, 36, during the 2021 series and says he almost fell victim to the show’s infamous curse.
John, who was in a relationship with his fiance Paul Atkins at the time, said the couple ‘spent some time apart’ after the series ended.
The Great British Bake Off star told how he ‘still loves’ Johannes but believes being in regular contact would be disrespectful to his partner.
Candidly discussing his time on the show with Johannes, he told The Times: ‘I fell in love with him [Johannes].
Candid: John Whaite has revealed how he fell in love his dance partner Johannes Radebe during their time together on Strictly Come Dancing
Long-term love: John, who was in a relationship with his fiance Paul Atkins at the time, said the couple ‘spent some time apart’ after the series ended
‘I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there.
‘We had such similar stories growing up – the homophobia, the bullying, coming out, coming to terms with our sexuality – as any queer kid would.’
He added: ‘I still love Johannes. Of course I do.’
John and Johannes were the first ever male same-sex pairing on the show and made it to the final before being beaten by Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
The TV personality admitted his feelings to Johannes to Paul and the couple spent some time apart during the aftermath of the honest conversation.
Paul moved back in with his parents, while John recalled sitting ‘on the patio, drinking bottle after bottle of sauvignon blanc’.
However, John has said the couple managed to put the issue behind them as he didn’t want to throw away the history they had together.
John confessed that while he and Johannes still speak now and again,he would be willing to end their friendship if Paul began to struggle.
Strong bond: The baker, 34, was partnered with the South African ballroom pro, 36, during the 2021 series and says he almost fell victim to the show’s infamous curse
He said: ‘I love him to bits and I worship the ground he walks on, but I have to be mindful that there’s more than my own desires to consider here and if it would be tricky for Paul for me to be in contact with Johannes, then it’s a sacrifice that I have to make.’
The show has become synonomous with the ‘curse’ which sees celebrities split from their current partners following their time on the programme.
The show has been linked to 14 splits over the course of 20 series.
While John and Paul have been able to work through their relationship woes, Johannes is not dating anyone publicly.
Speaking to Hello! magazine at the end of last year about his relationship status, he said: ‘Due to internalised homophobia for the longest time, I thought that I did not deserve love.
‘And it’s a journey and the fact that I’m here at a place of acceptance and abundance, I feel like I’m ready and we’ll see.’
When asked what he was looking for in a partner, he said: ‘Kindness goes a long way because the day that we don’t love each other, as long as we are kind to each other, it will carry us.’
