Strictly’s Johannes Radebe shocks the internet by dressing up as a woman in drag
Johannes Radebe looked unrecognisable in drag as he arrived at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday evening.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 38, wowed in a red crystal-embellished mini dress as he posed up a storm for photographers.
The dazzling ensemble featured structured shoulder pads, long sleeves, and a sparkly, tasselled skirt.
He added inches to his frame with red-and-black lace-up knee-high boots and accessorised with bold red statement earrings.
To complete his look, Johannes wore a vibrant makeup palette and rocked a long brown ponytail with a fringe.
He posed for cameras ahead of taking to the stage to perform an extract from the hit musical Kinky Boots.
Johannes Radebe looked unrecognisable in drag as he arrived at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Royal Variety Performance on Wednesday evening
The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 38, wowed in a red crystal-embellished mini dress as he posed up a storm for photographers
Johannes is currently preparing to return as Lola in Kinky Boots. Earlier this year, he captivated audiences nationwide in the role, earning rave reviews for what critics called a ‘perfect fit.’
He is set to reprise the role in the West End next March for a limited run.
The musical will play at the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026, following previews at Curve, Leicester, from March 3.
Before his much-anticipated West End return, Johannes will share the stage with his Kinky Boots co-stars at the Royal Variety Performance.
The Royal Variety Performance lit up London’s Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday.
The annual charity bash, which boasts a star-studded line-up of top British and international talent, will be broadcast on ITV.
With a global audience of 152 million, organisers hail it as the world’s most successful and longest-running entertainment show, now in its 113th year.
This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales will add a touch of royal glamour to the evening as they take their seats among the star guests.
Johannes will take to the stage on Wednesday evening to perform an extract from the hit musical Kinky Boots (pictured July)
He is currently preparing to return as Lola in Kinky Boots. Earlier this year, he captivated audiences nationwide in the role, earning rave reviews for what critics called a ‘perfect fit’ (pictured last year)
The show once again raises vital funds for the Royal Variety Charity, supporting those in the entertainment industry who need care and assistance.
Les Misérables is expected to deliver a show-stopping moment, with a staggering 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden and Killian Donnelly, joining forces with the West End and Paris casts, plus amateur groups from across the UK, for a special 40th anniversary medley.
Paddington The Musical will also debut an exclusive performance, introduced by composer Tom Fletcher.
Jessie J will take to the stage with a deeply personal track, I’ll Never Know Why, from her upcoming album, while Madness will make their debut appearance. Grammy-winner Laufey will also perform.
Stephen Fry is slated for a special guest appearance following his recent run in the West End’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding will showcase a magical illusion, with comedy from Tom Davis and Mick Miller and pitch-perfect impressions from the Dead Ringers cast.
Sir Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and special guests will present a one-off performance from the Live Aid musical Just For One Day.
Adrian Stoica and his talented border collie, Hurricane, winners of America’s Got Talent, will make their UK debut with a specially choreographed routine.
Host Jason Manford last fronted the show in 2020 in Blackpool, where, due to COVID guidelines, he performed to a virtual audience. Before that, he had hosted three times since 2009.
