Yahoo News Strictly's John Whaite and Johannes Radebe brought to tears by semi-final dance
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe were brought to tears by their emotional Strictly Come Dancing semi-final routine that was inspired by their experiences of coming out earlier in life.
The dancers wanted to dedicate their couple's choice performance to everyone who had supported them growing up, as well as others watching who are struggling to talk about their sexuality now.
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In an emotional introduction before the dance, Whaite told how the first person he had spoken to about being gay was a teacher when he was around 14, but said: "The teacher then told my family, which I wasn't ready for."
"To the people who perhaps feel a bit afraid in life, I want those people to know that it gets better"
💖 All our hearts are with you on the dance floor tonight, John and Johannes #Strictly @jojo_radebe pic.twitter.com/RV9XQtx6qF— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) December 11, 2021
However, he spoke about how supportive his family had always been, and both he and Radebe were left in floods of tears by video messages from viewers who spoke about how much seeing the show's first all-male couple meant to them.
Whaite said: "It just reminds me of how much we needed that when we were little and it was never there.
"I grew up with a great deal of shame and I think if I'd seen two men dancing together on television it would have changed my life."
John and Johannes making history with that stunning routine. I’m so glad we live in a world where they danced that.
Love is love and that was a Beautiful, beautiful dance. ❤️ #Strictly— Michael Patterson (@michaelp93) December 11, 2021
I am so grateful for John and Johannes. I can’t even imagine how much safer their bravery has made so many people feel. I love them and this show so much❤️ #Strictly
— el (@eleanorgrace__) December 11, 2021
He added: "I want to dedicate our couple's choice dance to the people who perhaps feel a bit afraid in life and I want those people to know it gets better, believe me."
Their contemporary dance to Adele's Hometown Glory was a hit with the judges, who scored it 39 points.
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Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "You shared not only your own soul, but helped so many other souls who are watching the TV this evening."
Anton Du Beke said: "It demonstrated so much about you the man as well as you the dancer."
Radebe cried again as they received their scores and said: "It's bigger than the both of us and I know that there are people who are resonating with it right now and that's all that matters."
Watch: John Whaite will live life by Johannes-isms after Strictly
