Strictly's Johannes says same-sex pairing 'changed his relationship with his mother'

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe has revealed his same-sex pairing on last year’s show ‘changed his relationship with his mother’.

The 34-year-old professional dancer appeared on Friday’s episode of This Morning where he was interviewed by presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.

On the ITV programme’s sofa, Johannes opened up about how being partnered with The Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite on the BBC series transformed his relationship with his mum, with the pair able to speak “openly” about his sexuality as a result.

Johannes said: “What happened between John and I last year has really changed my relationship with my mother.

“I know for the first time, me and my mum can speak about my sexuality openly.

“There was no problem or anything of that sort but we just never addressed, it’s something that we never spoke about, and now [we can].

“You know with African people, very conservative and I respect that still but it’s nice where it is now.”

Johannes and John finished in second place on last year’s Strictly behind EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis and her partner Giovanni Pernice.

During his interview, Johannes also said dancing with John had been a “special” and “healing” experience.

He added: “Darling, every touch. Every look. Everything about me and John felt authentic to me personally for the first time. I’ve been doing Strictly Come Dancing for years so that for me was special and healing in a lot of ways.

“The man could carry me which was a plus. I’ve never been lifted in my life. I loved it.

“It was special and obviously, I was taken aback and overwhelmed by the love and support which outweighed the hate and I loved that.

“It was nice to see how far we’ve come.”

This Morning airs from 10am on weekdays on ITV. Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk