Strictly Come Dancing sensation Johannes Radebe has revealed an exciting development as his autobiography is set to hit the big screen.
The professional dancer graced Lorraine on Friday (January 31), chatting with host Ranvir Singh about the forthcoming film adaptation of his 2023 memoir, Jojo: Finally Home.
“It is so exciting. It’s signed, sealed, and it’s gonna be delivered – I hope soon. That’s the beautiful thing. Writers are coming on board, and producers are on board,” he shared. “It will all be revealed in time, but I’m just so happy that I get to take it back to the township.”
Ranvir quipped about the casting process, “How are you going to cast Johannes? What a strange experience?” Johannes responded, “There are so many Jojos running around the townships, I can’t tell you. I get to go home every time and work with them, so it won’t be hard at all.”
Johannes’ memoir recounts his uplifting journey of triumphing over homophobic discrimination through dance during his youth in Zamelda, a South African township.
The movie, currently titled Finally Home, has recently made significant progress with Argo Films joining the production team, alongside Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films, reports the Mirror.
“Growing up gay in the townships of South Africa was not an easy ride, but there were so many good things about my life there, and it has made me the person I am today,” Johannes reflected on the project.
Johannes, whose life story is set to be immortalised on the big screen, also expressed his gratitude for this latest development.
“I never imagined my story would end up on the big screen, so I am greatly appreciative of this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with Helena and Anthony over the coming months,” he shared.
Filming for the biopic is scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The dancer will choreograph the dance routines in the film, and announcements about the rest of the cast are expected imminently.
This development follows Johannes’s West End musical debut as Lola in Kinky Boots. The Made at Curve production will end on July 26 at Oxford’s New Theatre.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV1 at 9am