BBC Strictly star exposes Royal Family member who 'personally told me' they 'want' to compete on show

BBC Strictly star exposes Royal Family member who 'personally told me' they 'want' to compete on show

WATCH HERE: Johannes Radebe and Annabel Croft perform on Strictly 2023

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 12/04/2024

- 09:59

Professional dancer Johannes Radebe was the star who delivered the royal revelation

BBC Strictly Come Dancing fan-favourite Johannes Radebe has exposed the identity of a Royal Family member who's keen to participate in the Saturday night staple.

Rumours are already rife as to who'll take part in this year's upcoming series, with the likes of Toyah Wilcox and Hannah Waddingham already heavily linked to take part.


There's also been intense speculation about the participation of the professionals, particularly with pro dancer Giovanni Pernice following the fallout of Amanda Abbington's premature exit last year.

Now, Radebe has addressed potential celebrity contestants ahead of the new series and revealed one royal fan would "love" to be included.

While speaking on Saturday's recording of The Jonathan Ross Show, Radebe revealed Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh has "personally" shared her desire to perform in front of the judges.

Speaking alongside fellow guests Perrie Edwards, Aisling Bea and Frank Skinner, Radebe divulged: "She [Sophie] would love the opportunity to [compete in Strictly Come Dancing] but she can’t obviously.

Johannes Radebe

Johannes Radebe is no stranger to mingling with royalty

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"She has personally told me this," the South African-born dancer claimed.

While it may come as a surprise that a Royal Family member actively wishes they could participate, it's no secret that Strictly is a favourite binge for the royals.

In fact, in December last year, Town & Country reported how Kate Middleton accompanied Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for a tour around the set of the show at Elstree Studios.

This isn't the first time the Duchess of Edinburgh has hit headlines this week after facing scrutiny over her "scruffy" appearance at a recent royal engagement.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh 'personally' told the Strictly star she would love to take part

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Sophie was accused of looking "scruffy" by critics when she accompanied her husband Prince Edward to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The royal husband and wife duo represented King Charles III in the monarch's absence.

Together, they accompanied France's Gendarmerie's Garde Republicaine to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.

For the occasion, the 59-year-old opted for a Max Mara white coat along with a light blue dress from Roland Mouret.

Johannes Radebe

Johannes Radebe has named the royal who wants to take part on Strictly

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She tied her hair into a low bun, while still keeping some strands out to frame her face, and carried a Strathberry shoulder bag while walking in Prada heels.

But after photos emerged on social media of the event, some royal fans weren't happy.

One described Sophie's look as "scruffy" while another hit out: "Not the outfit for the occasion and that’s unlike Sophie - it all looks a bit last minute.

"The coat should have been done up as they were representing King and Country at a milestone State occasion."

The full line-up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing will be announced later this year.

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