STRICTLY Come Dancing favourite Johannes Radebe has been persuaded to stay on the show, after finding time in his packed diary to film this year’s series.
The South African will feature in the much-anticipated list of which pros will be appearing on the series when the BBC One returns this September.
Johannes had been poised to quit as his huge popularity saw him swamped with work this year.
His projects includes a seven-month tour of stage show Kinky Boots: The Musical as well as turning his life story into a movie.
A TV insider said: “’s big issue was how to juggle all his work commitments beyond with taking part in the show itself.
“Although he always wants to be a part of the contest, he found himself in a difficult situation at the end of 2024 because he has so many projects coming up over a 12-month period.
Strictly bosses were concerned he might not be able to commit to returning to the show — but after lengthy discussion with Johannes, both show bosses and the dancer can now make it work.”;
Execs also like his easygoing style. My source added: “Above anything else, they felt that he hadn’t quite reached the stage that so many other pros get to where they are perceived as being bigger than the programme.
“He’s very much still viewed as being one of the family of pros and hasn’t had any special treatment in agreeing to make his return.”;
The rundown of pro dancers for each series is usually released in April, although it doesn’t say who will be paired with a and who not — some taking on just group routines or other non-partnered roles.
A spokesman for Strictly said: “The line-up of Strictly pros in the 2025 show will be announced in due course.”;
Alan's street smarts
With his trademark geeky specs, fits the brainbox stereotype.
So he looked the part as he headed out in for his new show, Secret Genius.
Alan was on the hunt for Mensa-level manicurists, bright builders and clever cleaners to take part in the series.
He even wore a sandwich board, appealing for contestants. Countdown’s Susie Dent will help Alan find Britain’s undiscovered talents on the show.
He said: “I have never been called a genius, believe it or not, but I am fascinated by people who get the label. Is it a gift, a curse or a burden?”;
Susie added: “The thought of meeting extraordinary individuals who may have been overlooked, or may not realise the full extent of their talents, is hugely exciting!”;
See geniuscasting.co.uk to apply for the show.
Actor Bertie Carvel is following in the footsteps of Kenneth Branagh as the narrator of on BBC One.
The second series, which comes 26 years after the first, will follow six prehistoric beasts in the forests of the US, Morocco’s rivers and Portugal’s hills.
24-Hour Piano gig is a Gem
Celebs will join top musicians today to tinkle the ivories for 24 hours to celebrate the return of The Piano.
The event, a UK first, will feature reality star collaborating with gospel singers Keynotes Choir at London’s Liverpool Street station.
Eurovision singer , star and The Piano series two winner Brad Kella are on the bill, too.
The show ends at 6am tomorrow.
Also on the 50-strong line-up is young musician Harrison from series one and classical pianist Tokio Myers, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2017.
Music lovers can stream the Pianothon live on .
Season three of The Piano, hosted by , begins on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.
Siobhan safe bet with ITV
Despite initially dividing fans, new ITV drama Protection has proved a hit.
The six-parter, starring Siobhan Finneran as under-pressure witness protection officer DI Liz Nyles, averaged 7.2million viewers.
In the drama Liz is at the centre of a security breach which sees one of her witnesses nearly killed.
She must safeguard a family of three living under the witness protection scheme, while juggling a complicated personal life.
The viewing figures, from both live TV and ITVX streaming, make the series the broadcaster’s third-biggest drama to date, after James Norton’s and Toby Jones’ .
ITVX has celebrated a billion streams so far this year, with and , and competition shows and Britain’s Got Talent boosting numbers.
Ryan Reynolds’ docu-series Welcome To Wrexham will return for its fourth series next month.
The first two episodes of the Disney+ series – which follows Ryan and partner as they navigate the third-oldest professional football club in the world – will drop on May 16.
