Strictly first
Strictly’s Johannes says show’s same-sex dance made him feel ‘accepted for who I am for the first time’
STRICTLY dancer Johannes Radebe revealed his same-sex routine with Graziano Di Prima made him "feel accepted for who I am for the first time."
The popular pro danced with his good friend as Emeli Sandé performed her new single on last night's results show, and the heartfelt choreography sent fans wild.
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Speaking to after the performance, Johannes said: "I’ve never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am. That says so much about the people of this country.
“To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous. There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement. It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”
Johannes and Graziano watched last night's show together and shared a warm embrace afterwards.
The Italian dancer wrote about their relationship yesterday: "Our friendship is difficult to explain, we went through so many moments together that we can understand each other without saying a WORD.. #
"As I say to you most of the time: You will be part of my life FOREVER... love you @johannesradebe Graz ❤️ @bbcstrictly."
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In the energetic routine, the two men did spins, lifts, and even gymnastics as they held hands and beamed at one another.
Fellow pros Luba Mushtuk and Aljaž Skorjanec also danced during Emeli's song.
Fans were moved by the landmark moment, taking to Twitter to share their appreciation.
One wrote: "I’m so impressed with Strictly. Having two guys dancing together in Emeli Sande’s song. Graziano and Johannes danced it BEAUTIFULLY!"
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Another added: "Johannes and Graziano dancing together is going to break Twitter."
A third said: "Johannes dancing with Graziano is beautiful and more more more same sex partnerships please."
Last month, The Sun Online revealed that Strictly will be copying Dancing On Ice as the pros perform the first one-on-one same sex dance in the show's history.
A backstage Strictly source told us at the time: "It’s a brave move for the Beeb and will break boundaries but bosses are under a lot of pressure.
"There have been calls for same-sex pro and celebrity pairings. This is an ideal way to integrate that.
"It will hopefully pave the way for a same-sex couple next year. It’s a step in the right direction for making the show even more diverse.
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"Graziano and Johannes are ideal for the dance as they’re the same height and good mates, having joined the show at the same time."
The move came after ITV rival Dancing On Ice made TV history after pairing Steps star Ian H Watkins with pro skater Matt Evers for the next series of the show.
Former pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev accused Strictly of "losing an incredible opportunity" by refusing to feature a same-sex couple as he admitted that it was a "shame" the show didn't make the landmark decision first.
Meanwhile, Johannes won praise for performing in heels during another group routine.
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Catherine Tyldesley and Johannes Radebe dance the tango on Strictly Come Dancing
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The 32-year-old dancer stole the show when all of the professionals hit the ballroom for a sassy opening number.
Unlike the other male pros, the South African dancer slipped on a pair of heeled black boots for his segment, which became the focus of the entire dance.
Dressed in a sparkly black vest, open shirt, and black trousers with a red stripe down the sides, Johannes - who was partnered with Corrie's Catherine Tyldesley - made dancing in the uncomfortable footwear look effortless as he busted out some moves alongside two male backing dancers.
Flocking to social media, fans gushed about the performance - praising Johannes for going against convention.
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