MEET THE SEWIST: Johannes Radebe
Dancer and choreographer Johannes Radebe, 35, is best known as a Strictly Come Dancing professional. In 2021, he was part of the first all male partnership with former Bake Off winner John Whaite. They were runners-up. This year, he partners actress/comedian Ellie Taylor. Johannes also reached the final twice on South Africa’s version of Strictly. He’s a two-time Professional South African Latin Champion and three-time South African Amateur Latin Champion. Johannes lives in London.
Were you a fan of Sewing Bee?
I secretly watched the show and never admitted I'm the biggest fan. When I received the phone call asking me to take part, it was a wonderful surprise. I thought: ‘Oh, my goodness, I finally get to live my best life!’
How would you describe your sewing ability?
On a scale of one to 10, I’d say I’m a five. I’ve always had a relationship with a needle and cotton, but I’m no sewer. I've always had somebody do that for me. Though I’m around people who create beautiful things. Leading up to the show, I bought a sewing machine to practice. It wasn’t a cheap one, it was quite expensive because it will be a lifetime investment. I thought: ‘If I’m going to do it, I'm going to do it properly.’
Did you sew when you were growing up?
My Aunt was a seamstress, so I grew up with a sewing machine tootling away in the background at odd hours as she finished garments. I’d fall asleep to the sound of the machine. As a young boy, believe it or not, while other boys played with cars, I had a collection of dolls I used to create clothes for and dress up. I would find pieces of material and my mum would show me how to put things together. When I got into dancing, it was never about the dancing. When I first was introduced to Ballroom and Latin, the first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful clothes they were wearing. I remember saying: ‘I would love to be in those clothes one day.’ It's the clothes that got me involved. Making clothes was my first passion.
How did it feel to walk into the sewing room?
I was nervous, I was excited, I was everything under the sun. I was taken aback by the decorations. I thought: ‘I wish this was my house.’ And it was heaven to see the judges face-to-face for the first time. I absolutely love them. I mean, Patrick… oh, gosh.
Have you got a crush?
I have a major crush. I look at him and think he’s just a beautiful person. He’s also gorgeous in real life. It really didn’t help the nerves, but Esme calmed me down. I don't know what I would have done without her.
Tell us about your sewing rivals: Penny, Natalie and Rosie…
They were amazing human beings – I loved every single moment with every single one of them. They're such different people, but they couldn't have chosen a better group. There was a lot of laughter. Penny made us wet ourselves. Everything that comes out of her mouth is funny.
The pattern challenge was a Christmas apron. How was it?
It was easing us in gently. I thought to myself: ‘Aprons don't have to be boring. It's not the 1930s, we’re in 2022.’ I tried to think outside the box. My fabric choice was something you wouldn't usually use. It’s going to my mama for Christmas. Something handmade by her son… she’ll love it.
How did you find the transformation challenge?
That was a little bit hard. You have to have a super creative mind. I did not have to look far for inspiration; I looked around the room at the decorations. They give you all these items and expect you to make something new. It's lovely. This is how the world needs to live moving forward: recycle, recycle recycle.
How did you find the made-to-measure challenge?
I don't want to tell lies… I was stressed. I was a bit ambitious. It was a fancy dress outfit inspired by a pop star. My pop star was Harry Styles… for his fluid fashion. And, let’s talk about men who were fluid before, too… the likes of Sylvester back in the day. People like Harry are a product of Sylvester. Harry was in a jumpsuit for most of his tour. I remember watching him at Wembley and thinking to myself: ‘Oh my gosh, what a beautiful jumpsuit…’ He wore it unashamedly with confidence. I wanted to line the top of my jumpsuit and I remember Patrick coming over and saying: ‘You’re going to line the inside? Good luck.’ I knew exactly what he was saying. I was sweating buckets to get it done. When Patrick said: ‘Congratulations. I think it’s class…’ I was so chuffed, I could jump up and down.
Has the show inspired you to do more sewing?
I’m thinking of lessons. I exist in a world where costumes need to be made. I’d like to look fabulous every day. What better way than to make my own clothes? I’m taking it seriously. I've started looking at colleges.
That little boy making outfits for his dolls has come to the forefront again, hasn’t he?
LAUGHS Absolutely! That’s what this show has awoken in me. I was buzzing. I haven't switched off my machine. I’ve hemmed my trousers. I have taken in pants and shirts to my exact size now. They’re gorgeous.
Was the host Sara Pascoe a help or a hindrance?
She was a help, but she was also hindering! I found her hilarious. She brought laughter during a very stressful time when I needed to have a break and remind myself it's all OK.
What did you most love about the experience?
Can I say everything? I absolutely loved everything. I would love to come back again if I could. I don't know doing what, but it's such an beautiful environment to be with all those people. And the haberdashery with all those fabrics and accessories… it was everything a young gay black boy would go mad for. I went to paradise for a couple of days and had the best time ever. It felt incredible.
Are there any secret sewers among the Strictly professionals?
Katya Jones loves a sewing machine. She’s always in the wardrobe department helping out stoning dresses when we have down time. Most of them will have an idea with costume – especially the women. I’m sure they've had to put a few dresses together just because it's our world and, if we like certain things, we try them out. It's quite expensive. Mum used to say to me: ‘You can’t be changing your costumes every single competition. That's costly.’ So, if I wanted a new costume, I had to make one somehow. I used to dance with a lot of hand-me-downs – it was lovely a lot of people were willing to help. I would mix and match them and I would stone them differently. I’d find ways to make them look new.
If you were an item of clothing, what would you be?
A pair of fabulous jeans. Jeans live long. Nobody throws away a good denim.
Do you have a favourite Christmas outfit?
There’s nothing like joggers and a Christmas jumper. It has to be a bright sweater full of sparkles and I love a 3D effect. Everybody in the world deserves a Christmas sweater.
What are your Christmas traditions?
My Christmas back home in South Africa is summer. We have a big barbecue – which we call a braai – and family comes round for a good meal together. We have boerewors – what you’d call a sausage – and we have chicken and brisket and vegetables roasted. It’s imperative we dance on Christmas Day and say thanks to our ancestors. It's a beautiful celebration. My mum has 12 siblings, so you can imagine the offspring on just that side. That's a big party. It’s mad and I absolutely love it.
Have you got any New Year resolutions?
I'm doing my tour, Freedom Unleashed, around the UK next year and want the show to be bigger and better. Now I'm upgrading my sewing skills, I'm gonna go home this December and start working on my costumes. I want to see how much I can bring of myself to the table because I've always let other people do that. With time, I'll definitely be creating several costumes for my tour. I’m looking forward to that.