Johannes Radebe has revealed he almost pulled out of last year\u2019s Strictly Come Dancing<\/a> competition following the death of a family member.<\/p>\n As many viewers will remember, Radebe was partnered with tennis legend Annabel Croft<\/a>, and the duo were adored by many as they made it all the way to the semi-final of the competition.<\/p>\n In a recent interview on the Table Manners<\/a> podcast, Radebe opened up about not being \u201cas excited\u201d as he usually would be amid dealing with grief as the competition began.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cWhen they said I\u2019m dancing with her, I was like, \u2018What are they trying to achieve?\u2019 And I say that because two weeks before I started, I buried my cousin who committed suicide. You know, I wasn\u2019t as excited as I normally would be.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I was like, \u2018This is supposed to be the most exciting period, I\u2019ve just come back off a very successful tour. But I had to then go home (South Africa). I could have stayed out there for longer but after we buried him, I had to fly back to the UK and do my audiobook.\u201d<\/p>\n Croft had recently lost her husband of 30 years before joining the Strictly line-up and during the competition, the broadcaster praised the show, admitting it gave her a reason<\/a> to \u201cget up in the morning\u201d.<\/p> Continuing on the podcast, Radebe admitted it was \u201chard\u201d when the competition bang as he felt he was \u201cgoing through the motions\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd yeah, they said, \u2018We think that you\u2019re the person to partner this woman.\u2019 I just said to myself, \u2018They\u2019re reaching.\u2019 I remember calling my agent. I was like, \u2018I don\u2019t know what\u2019s going to happen. Maybe we should say that I shouldn\u2019t get a partner this year because I just really need some time out.’\u201d<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n However, despite his initial concerns, the pair struck up a beautiful friendship and Radebe went on to say Croft helped him during their partnership on the show.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, a lot of people say, \u2018Oh Johannes, you helped Annabel\u2019 \u2013 but no, Annabel helped me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The Samaritans are available 24\/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email\u00a0jo@samaritans.org<\/a>\u00a0or head to the\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0to find your nearest branch.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"Annabel](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/11\/453157-5106248.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"453157,Strictly")
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