Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware - S16 Ep 17: Johannes Radebe

Episode Date: February 7, 2024

Mum has waited a long time for this one... our very first Strictly guest and none other than the FABULOUS Johannes Radebe. We chatted all about his journey to becoming a dancing sensation, growing up in a Zulu family, his mums Chakalaka & how he’s eaten the same takeaway dish every day in London since 2021…. We ate Jamie’s Oliver pulled brisket chilli - with a whole lotta sides! Mum made a delicious ‘moist’ orange cake for pud. He took the half finished bottle of champagne in the taxi home with him and THAT is our kinda guest! Jojo heads out on tour this spring and you do not want to miss it… get your tickets for ‘House Of Jojo’ now x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to Table Manners. I'm Jessie Ware and we are in New Cross today. Lenny's looking particularly zen. Zen? Well, I've had... And I'm a bit flappy, aren't I? I've had a lovely time recently. Have you? Tell me why. Well, last night I went to the opening night of Plaza Swamp. Mum, you're essentially like an influencer now.

No, I'm not an influencer. A lovely influencer. No, I'm not. SJP inviting you to the opening. It was fabulous. Everyone was there that wanted to be there. Who was there? Bill Nighy.

Did you have a chat? Samantha Bond, Miss Moneypenny from James Bond. Russell Tovey, your mate Jake. Our mate Jake, yeah. I sat next to Mowgli. Lovely. Did you have a chat? No, I didn't.

Oh, you didn't mention him. The highlight of the night was meeting Anthony. Or Anthony. Shah! Anthony, we're talking about as the character in Sex and the City and just like that. Yeah. How was that for you, Mum? You were getting closer.

He gave me a hug. I didn't get that close to SJP, even though I went to the after party. Did you see her? No. Oh. I left before she came. It was, there must have been 500 people there. Wow.

It was very exciting. You are booked and busy, Lenny. Susan Hampshire, Martin Freeman. Susan Hampshire Martin Freeman fabulous Sheridan Smith great yeah and the beautiful Hannah Waddingham who looked magnificent in a fabulous blue suit did you get up to her no oh I did look at her and watch her and champagne in tumblers because they had run out of champagne glasses how does that make feel so i said i'll have a tumbler darling fill it up um that sounds great so yeah today we have somebody that we both adore well i've adored him since i first saw him dance he must have the best latin technique i've ever seen. All right, Shirley. Yeah. Oh, Arlene Phillips was there as well last night.

Oh my God, mum. She looked great. You know, she's bloody 81 or 82. She looks like in her 60s. She looked fab. We have Johannes Radiba on the podcast. Can't wait. I was very lucky to do the opening of Strictly this last year

and Johannes danced in that. for me that was so special and I loved meeting him. He has a book called Jojo Finally Home that came out last year all about growing up in South Africa and his journey into dancing and being a gay man. He also has a tour happening. The show is called House of Jojo and it's going everywhere from High Wycombe to Liverpool. Well, where are we going, darling? London Palladium. I can just imagine how fabulous it's going to be. Well, he is a totally fabulous person.

Yes, he is. And I've got lots of questions for him about Strictly. Yeah, me too. He had such a good year. The most memorable was him dancing with John Waite, doing the Paso Doble. Lots of questions for him about Strictly. Yeah, me too. He had such a good year. The most memorable was him dancing with John Waite, doing the Paso Doble. That was fantastic. Was that when they were like Pirates of the Caribbean? Yeah.

That was really good. I just loved that. And they kind of flew, literally flew. If I was ever going to be on Strictly, I would want him. Yeah, me too. I'm cooking. So I made it last night. I've done it before on the podcast a couple of times just because it's easier and I've been away for the weekend so I did the Jamie Oliver pulled brisket like chili and I'm not going to serve it with rice today I've got

corn tortillas like tacos great and I've done a Thomasina Myers you know the bean and mango lime and spring onion and tomato thing um and then also I've done a coleslaw with red cabbage spring onions I'm quite into putting spring onions in instead of onion. I think it's kind of a bit less oomphy, which I like. Carrot, apple, a little bit of chipotle Tabasco, and some lime and yogurt I used, and a bit of mayo. Not too hot? Not too hot. Okay.

And then you've done pudding. Well, thanks to Maria Barker, who I tasted this recipe at her house. So it's, I hate recipe at her house so it's I hate the description of it it's a moist orange cake it's made with the pulp of two oranges and just ground almonds, eggs and sugar the topping's genius

it's cream cheese with some cream grated orange and lemon zest and some lemon juice so they call it a cheesecake topping. So it's kind of like a carrot cake topping. No, it's more like a cheesecake topping because it's very citrusy. Mmm.

Well, you'll try it. I thought it was fabulous. Yum. Yeah. Johanna's coming up. Cheers. Now, what do they say in South Africa for a cheers? Not even, you know, there's no word in African language.

No, there isn't. Oh, what a shame. What does Jojo say then? You see? Yeah, absolutely. Thank you, darling. What's that mean? Let's go. Oh, wow. Because you? Thank you, darling. What's that mean? Let's go. Oh, wow.

Because you know once you have this. Oh, delicious. Is there anything better than a glass of champagne at lunchtime? A bolly. Nothing better. At lunchtime. So promo's over now. Have you been busy this morning?

I haven't been busy this morning? I have been busy this morning Well, I woke up thinking about you two I can see you give the eyes And you make every woman And man feel special Yeah, you do And like you're devoted to them Why shouldn't we in this world?

That's a very good answer Do you know what I mean? I'm calling you Jojo now. That's it. Because when I was at Strictly and we were doing our dance together, which I requested you, but I think you kind of...

I know you did. You know. Did you? I did. When I saw the powers that be ascend, I was like, okay, something is happening. But they will never do this

if the artist herself or himself did not request for this to happen yeah obviously i requested jojo you know what is mad about it all 2020 in lockdown i was introduced to you and by fluke i thought i'm not coming back to the united kingdom i thought that was no because because of the whole flying thing you know i was stuck in south africa? Okay. I was stuck in South Africa for something that felt like forever, but it was only five months. But as you can imagine, it was 2020. I just thought, even Stigley said,

we don't know how we're going to get through here, and the show might not even go on. So I thought that's the end of our careers, as you know it. I've just started off. I am at home feeling quite depressed. My friend said, I've got baby weight on. Let's get into the studio and dance. We were not allowed to go into any government facilities. So we found a hostel, cleaned the floor up, started playing music. We danced. And at the

end of the session, she said, I just want, I just want to take it easy. You've hammered me the whole day. And I was like, okay, fine. You know, Kylie. Kylie will sort us out. Let's just swing about and do what we need to do. And on the playlist, just under Kylie, and it was just a random playlist, was this beautiful woman. Oh, the algorithms. We love an algorithm where I am next to Kylie Minogue. Oh, you know, so you can imagine when I say

this introduction happened organically. Of course. No finger was lifted. So I even, I said to my mom, coming here today is quite special because this is what dreams are made of. And I really do believe. They're my dreams. Not yours. Forget about yours, Jojo.

Oh, you know, I mean, when I said to my friend, I said, Jessie, where is in the building? She lost her mind. She was like, no. I said, I'm going to send you a vid of the rehearsal. I can't tell you. Thank you for her. Oh, that's a pleasure. Absolutely.

Yeah. She wouldn't be the person she is if it wasn't for you. So thank you I love mothers I'm going to start to cry stop we haven't even got the music going yet I love and I support mothers I can't tell you so the reason why you're fabulous

is because I know you're standing on shoulders of a queen absolutely but you mean the world to some of us oh thank you you mean the world to some of us oh thank you well you mean the world to me and i can't tell you i've been dying to say that to you for years even when you sent me a message on strictly i was like you know what glitter balls then aside i'm fine listen when you and john didn't win you did so well that year We were talking about that year being a brilliant year. You know the Pirates dance? But we were reaching for you.

Was that the Paso Doble? Yes. Yeah, that's what I said. Thank God I got it right. You were brilliant. You flew. Both of you flew. It was fabulous.

It was magical. Absolute magic. Yeah. Life changing. Yeah, I think it was. For everybody in our lives yeah yeah and that was the beauty about it all you know as I kept on thinking oh my gosh I didn't realize the impact it would have in my circle within my family so and I tell you that I'm in a better place with my family

right now because of that why well because, I've never ever discussed my sexuality with my family. I come from a very conservative family. We're a Zulu family. You know, when my uncle's talk is that to say a man is a man and a woman is a woman. So you can imagine how it has been in my life to try and, you know, and exist

in two worlds, so to speak. I always say that Strictly has given me that. Strictly was my coming out party when I put on those patent heels and danced to David Bowie. That was me saying, this is me, take it or leave it. So your family didn't know? No.

Not at all. No, they must have known. They knew. They must have known. They knew. I mean, you know, I mean, you can't be twirling around the house at the age of four and five and not know. With your dolls. And the thing, and my dolls.

And that's the thing. That was never hidden. And I always say in the house with my mum, with my dad, with my sister and my granny at the time, who I was, was never frowned upon or called out or anything of that sort so I know I grew up thinking I was perfect until I went out into society you know that's when I was reminded and told and obviously extended families as well I mean my uncles used to ask me when are you bringing the wife you know what was your stock answer in due time okay yeah you know what I mean you know I was like not now and when I started with television and I started earning money it was like we can find you somebody have children we'll look after them and I said oh no I don't think you guys okay go and deal with that

and that is why I think I really tried to move as far away from that world as as possible is this your home now this is my home now are you British yet I've just done my Britishness test how British are you you know you say how British I am I was shocked I was shocked at what I had to go through what were some of the questions? How do you take your tea? No, none of that. No, they should be asking who won Strictly last year. That would be a good one. It's a British thing.

It definitely is. I mean, what took me by surprise was learning about haggis. Haggis? Yes. Haggis! That's Scottish. Oh, I suppose it's British. It is.

Did you know what went in haggis? That is the thing. I was quite surprised as an African boy because I enjoy tripe. Oh, does tripe go in as well? No, it doesn't. It's like meaty muesli, isn't it? Mm-hmm. Really?

It's like cereal and all the bits that, yeah. That go in there. I was like, oh, okay. No. I wanted to know. What a strange thing to ask what goes in Vegas. Were there any more food-related questions? No, I think that's just basically it.

What do we, what does England, what does Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, what do they eat? And everybody has got like, I mean, fish and chips. Oh, fish and chips. You know. eat and everybody has got like i mean fish and chips of fish and chips you know what's your favorite food about britain that you think was a revelation and you thought this is quite delicious and i didn't think i'd like it because the food in south africa is brilliant it's quite similar isn't it as well you know your meats and your king clip and your butter all of those lovely fishes that you don't get here. Yeah, true.

You can say that again. You can say that again. British fries. And your meat is great. It is. It tastes different to here, let's be honest. The lamb chops are sensational. Something else.

Sensational. When you do your poikikos with that, you know, that three lips. I remember I was working in Johannesburg doing what my real job is, which is social work. And I stayed at the Rosewood Hotel in Johannesburg doing what my real job is, which is social work. And I stayed at the Rosewood Hotel in Johannesburg. And opposite, in this little shopping mall, was this fabulous chop house. And it had the best lamb chops I think I've ever tasted in my whole life.

And wine. The wine is divine. The wine is so divine. I have to say, answering all these questions, I'm such a late bloomer. And I literally grew up with local cuisines. So what did your mum make? What would your mum make on a Monday evening or a Tuesday evening or the weekend?

You know what? We've got what we call, it's a staple food for every African family in South Africa, pap. Pap? Pap. Thick polenta. in South Africa, pap pap thick polenta think of thick polenta now that is every single day sometimes I look back and I'm like oh my gosh we could have had a little bit of variety isn't it but Zuba was an issue

it fills you up beautifully and then do you put like sauce on top or a soup yes we do, you will do a gravy with it you'll do a piece of meat if you can afford but that it can accommodate anything chakalaka which is just like your carrots your your green peppers spices baked beans put in a thing just for a little bit of taste and just paprika salt and you have that with pap. Cabbage is very famous.

I know that mum used to get bones from anywhere, from whatever animal that they've slaughtered at the butchers. They buy the remains of that and they put it in the pot and they make a nice stew that will go with the pap. Did you love your mum's cooking? I absolutely did. I absolutely did. Now, knowing what I know, I think it was quite bland. But it's obviously what she.

She used paprika. Well, you say paprika. That was the few things. And I think she also learned it from where she used to work. Where did she work? She cleaned at this. And lucky for her, she found a job at a at a garage you know it wasn't somebody's home or so but that family took her in as well you know and so it was nice because she would come

back with all these spices from this family because she was a Portuguese lady and that's I think that's how the paprika thing came into the family because I mean even my cousins and I'm like what they ask what is what is that you know you know it makes it nicer do you like hot food I am spicy I hate I always say I'm an I'm an African child I eat everything and that's the truth yeah and I think that's also because I've lived everywhere and nowhere yeah you know so whatever was on the table or whatever could afford I shoved in my mouth so I eat ate anything. How many were in your family? There was my sister, my mum, dad, gran. That was us. Gran passed away.

Mum and dad separated. Me, mum and sis moved in with my aunt, who had two boys. So it's always a big table. There was no table. OK. This is the thing. There was no table. Okay. This is the thing. There was no table. And I wish that we could have had that in my family.

We could have been at the table and enjoyed a meal. Firstly, because of the status at home. Dad was never at home in time to enjoy dinner with us. So I've never, and we never used to have a table. So we would sit in the lounge. And that's the thing, you know, it's either we had to wait for him with meal-y meal. Meal-y meal. Or bring a little bit of piece, a piece of meat.

So we used to eat at random times. There was never a set time too. And it was only when I left my family in the township to go live with this family outside in Johannesburg, south of Johannesburg. How old were you? I was 14. Why did you move to live with another family? To furtherburg, south of Johannesburg. How old were you? I was 14. Why did you move to live with another family? To further my dancing. Okay.

Yeah. So it was obvious that that was going to be the direction. Oh, listen, I had to convince everybody that that's also going to happen. Because you can imagine, mum was like, no way. Do a proper job. She was hoping that I could be a doctor or a nurse. Obviously.

Was that ever on the cards? It was. Even through the dancing, like I went to school, university, after I finished secondary schooling, I went to university and I tried nursing, never worked. I tried clothing and interior, never worked and all because of finance. And then I dropped that and I just

said, okay, fine, ma, I'm going to try and make this dancing thing work. never worked and all because of finance you know and then I dropped that and I just said okay fine ma I'm gonna try and make this dancing thing work when did you first start dancing when you were little at the age of seven what was the song that got you moving it definitely has to be twist and shout oh I thought you're gonna say Miriam McKeever Wow listen Pata Pata It's probably one of my favourite songs But I remember hearing Twist and Shout In a recreation hall in Bupilong And first time I went to a dance competition Actually I think that was for me

The aha moment I was watching The highest section of the evening There was no professional dancers but there were amateur Because nobody black was allowed to be professional at the time. You know, from where we were and the association that we were with. So when I saw these amateurs dance the song,

it was something electric, Jess. Like you should have, you must see how there's just this different interpretation. Right. And because we were not trained, you know, it came from a different place altogether because we were not trained you know it came from a different place altogether because we were we were it was more of we were we aspired to be

and I can't tell you oh shake it people were I was just like this is what I want to do for the rest of my life I want to be this happy you know what I mean and that's why I snuck it out so you were seven when that happened yeah and black people weren't allowed to compete so when did that change how old were you when that changed because when you're 14 you're saying I want to go and be a dancer absolutely I think that I think I went to dance in a different federation at the age of 10, 11. And were they allowed interracial dancing? That is when it really took off in their time. So you were allowed to dance, white people were dancing? We were dancing with Indians, mixed race, we were all there. And how was that feeling at that time?

Was it unnerving for you at that time because did you feel wanted? Or did you feel like the person that everybody wanted because you were of course so talented but it felt new and and positive and change was coming it was a place of refuge right okay you know what I mean was there kindness to you there was a lot there was a lot of kindness I made made friends. I made, you know, and like you said, I felt seen. Yeah. You know, because outside that, I was bullied. Severely bullied. You know, I hated school with all my heart.

How could someone, you're so tall. I was short. Oh, you were short. I was short. Johannes, when did you, when did you? I don't know where. And the reason why I even left my township to go to Johannesburg was because my partner was starting to be taller than me

and they were like, well, we've got somebody who's your height and who can make you come. And that's why they poached me as well from this beautiful girl. But something happened in my teens and I just shot right up. What height are you now? 6'2". You seem taller actually. He's got heels on there mum. He's got a heel on. Clearly it's the key to everything and a beautiful hat. How do you say that mum? That is a gorgeous hat. Thank you. A friend of mine makes them so you know. It is incredible. When I'm missing them i do throw something on me

you were obviously doing ballroom i was doing ballroom dancing latin or latin that was your latin was my thing you've got the bottom for it darling you say that my darling the best bottom in the business i think listen something about latin american dancing i think you know i mean all of those dancers do originate from Africa, you know. It's the drums. It's that. And that's what got me about it. Whereas ballroom was quite ethereal.

You know, it simply said, you don't belong. And honestly, like, you know, the Latin outfits, you could, you can literally take a piece of material and throw your mother's brooch, you know, and make something that looks, and walk onto the dance floor with it. Whereas with ballroom, soups and... Exactly. And that is why I did not pursue my ballroom as much as I did my Latin. But your ballroom's fabulous. It is the most beautiful thing. But you made

Annabelle Croft. She became a princess in your arms. Yeah. She did. Oh my God. And a great dancer. You know what blows my mind? Is the fact that you guys watch Sweetly Come Dancing She did. Oh, my God. And a great dancer. You know what blows my mind? Is the fact that you guys watched Sweetly Come Dancing religiously. We never miss it. It's so true.

I've never missed it since the beginning. We love it. It's our favourite. It's our favourite. That blows my mind. I don't want to tell lies. A mere dance show to have such an impact. But it's more than a dance show.

It honestly is. But when you look at it from my perspective, darling, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think... But you know what? It starts off and you think, oh, I don't think much of these people. Then you fall in love with all of them. And every one of them you feel connected with.

Absolutely. Well, how is it? How does it do that? You know what? The format is brilliant. The amount of time I've spent with Annabelle, I haven't spent with my sister in the past 10 years. She's a beautiful woman.

It's intense. It's intense. Yeah. Jessie, it's intense. It's mad. Well, I have a question for you. Because you're beloved and celebrated as a, you know, you could see the relationship you and Annabelle had you

and John had you know this is like it was it was friendship it was real you know when you was dancing for her her late husband that was so beautiful and like you you were feeling it we all were feeling it but it's interesting because how much do you have to be the friend but also the coach that you're trying to push them and you're not trying to intimidate them there must be a fine line with how far you can take it or do you've kind of just do you think that's just from understanding the contestant you have and their potential because I think that's the most important thing yeah you know some of us are great dancers and some of us are great teachers yeah I, I think that's true. I think I've done it long enough to understand that it's not about me.

Yeah, that's the thing. Yes. I've got an opportunity to come back next year. She doesn't or he doesn't. Yeah, it's true. You know, and when you take it from that perspective, you really thrive. You know, when you take yourself out of the equation as a pro, I always think, watch them fly.

Everybody needs encouragement. That's the first thing that I start with. And dancing itself has the power to transform somebody. I always say anybody can dance. If they were afforded those 13, 14 weeks, everybody, you would see miracles. You look at somebody like Krishnan. Oh, that was beautiful. Oh, I adored him.

When he walked in. I know. Pigeon Toad, yeah. Because I came to the launch party and I thought, I looked at him, and I thought, but he was so smiley and he loved it. Absolutely. Loved every minute of it. And I've watched clips of him on tour.

And he's still adoring every second. And that's what's needed. Do you have a little team of your best mates? And who do you practice with? Who's your dance partner for practicing? Or does it change all the time? Because Nadia's very tall. She is.

So you often are partnered with her no we dance with everybody no no but she needs a tall person she does yeah she does but there's been instances where she's danced with gorka really we love gorka we love gorka so hampton gorka is a realist I tell you I have to say They are all individuals Aren't they? Yes We all are

Look at me Are you asking any food? I'm going to ask you about babuti Does anyone ever eat that in South Africa? They say it's like a dish that everyone eats in South Africa Yes Do they? Not everyone

Not where I come from. And you're a Zulu? And I'm a Zulu boy. So do you speak what language? I speak Sosotu. Sosotu. That's not click talk, is it? That's not click talk.

Can you do the click talk? Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. That repertoire of music I've actually brought into my tour. Good. For the past two years. And what's been interesting is that you talk about Miriam Makeba and that's just...

It's my favourite. Oh, listen to... Pata Pata. I can't tell you. When I was 18, that was the music I was dancing to in discos. Oh, my. Pata Pata with a gorgeous boy called Saul. And we moved to Pata Pata.

It was my favourite. Oh my goodness, this looks delicious. I could never. It's like pulled brisket, chilli, with bits and bobs. Oh my gosh. Honestly. Jessie, pass me a tortilla, darling.

These are corn tortillas. They're like from a really great place. It's called the Chili Company or whatever. The Cool Chili Company. But they're like corn tortillas. So it's slightly more kind of authentic taco tortillas. So, but like, you know, take it or leave it. It's fine.

You can just try it. If you don't like it, I won't be offended. I didn't make them. It's fine. Okay. Just shove it all in. They smell divine. Good, fine. The corn is coming through be offended. I didn't make them. It's fine. Okay, perfect. Just shove it all in. They smell divine. Good, fine.

The corn is coming through. There. You haven't got any meat. Oh, my God. Here, darling. This is divine. Thank you. Thank you for this.

Thank you, Jessie. Can you cook? You know what, Jessie? No. I get the feeling not, Jessie. I shouldn't have gone to Celebrity MasterChef. I don't know what was I trying to achieve. How badly did you do?

Not bad, seeing that I was not the first one to get kicked out. Okay, that's fine. You know, so... I mean, my agent said to me, well, Jo, sometimes it's not about winning. It's about taking part, isn't it? But is that quite hard for you to not win? Yes, and that is what I was arguing to her.

I was like, I'm not going to win. It's not about winning. Just take part, you know, push yourself Do you really hope to win strictly? You will I kind of feel like you win it every year in a way Do you know what I mean? Your stories that you have It's a beautiful journey that you create with your contestants

Thank you, G But we would like the fucking ball Give them the damn ball Listen, I've made peace with it. You know, I really, really have. Something that I haven't given up on, I'm talking rubbish. Because it would be lovely, I think, after all these years of never winning it. I've done it in South Africa for three years before I came here.

And you never won it. And I've never won it. You talk about that community that you had at the beginning of your career, your dance career. It was your sanctuary. But you're always in competition. So I've met plenty of dancers that give me the DL on various tours. There are dramas. Dancers have dramas.

Oh, baby. Dramas! Dancers have dramas. Oh, baby. How do you deal with that? Because it's like anything. It's like creatives and being intense, you know, whether it's a tour or a competition. It's like, can it sometimes get a bit too much?

Would you know how to avoid the drama now? Are you there with your cup of tea? I'm there with my cup of tea. Of course you love your drama. I am there with a couple of... Hot tea. Hot, hot, hot tea. Because I always find it so interesting what you're saying. And I'm so observant.

And thank God this came to me at a very young age. You know, having to deal with different people and different personalities and finding yourself in different communities I think that really taught me a lot so when I eventually got my break and I was traveling the world with world-class dancers that had titles British championships Italian champs and here comes Johannes with his South African champion I'm like oh Jesus Johannes it's not even a world title fine but I always understood that and just thought to myself be the hardest working one in this room also just given it's just that's has been my motto since I was a boy I was like you know the odds against you and I've always been the first black one in everything that I did that was amazing so to speak so the pressure of having to keep up has allowed me to

firstly be kind to myself in that situation I always say to myself just step back a little bit let the divas do their thing and that I always find worked for me to say that you know what make space but ultimately put on the music and let's dance if we get to the job of it let's do the job because we can walk away from it after we're done with it that always centered me

that I can walk away from it whenever it gets too much so therefore I remove I think you've got a very calm presence. Don't you think? I think Jojo can turn it on and off. And we'd have a good night out. And still turn up for work professionally on the next day.

Absolutely. The thing that blew my mind, when you came in for a cuddle and I was like, sorry, you smoke? I was like, sorry, I didn't think dancers smoked. And you had like a power fag

before we'd done the bloody run through. And I was just like, and you're still the fastest. You're still the most, like, it's like, it blew my mind. How many dancers smoke? A lot. I bet a lot. Do you smoke more when you're doing Strictly?

Yeah. Right, okay. You know that I'm weaning myself off it right now because I'm like, you're not stressed. Why are you smoking so much, you know? But it's a lot, isn't it? Of course. It's a lot.

And I think, honestly, thank goodness for where I come from because my sister, you know, people like that have always have always just called me to order every time I grow wings. They're like, uh-uh, uh-uh. I think your wings can get bigger and bigger and you can fly higher and higher. I'm going to come to your meal now. Starter, where are we going? Starter. Who's cooking it? Where are we going?

It's not going to be you cooking it. It definitely is not going to be me cooking it? Where are we going? It's not gonna be you cooking it. It definitely is not gonna be me cooking it Do you eat out a lot? Or takeaways? This country has spoiled me It has really really spoiled me. Who spoils you the most on delivery? I mean there's There's a place called Spoon and Rice. Spoon and Rice? Never heard of it. Filipinos. Oh There's a place called Spoon and Rice. Spoon and Rice, never heard of it.

Filipinos. Oh. Is it amazing? They are pork burritos with a sweet and sour sauce. It's like bringing a tear to your eye, Nellie. I can't even begin to tell you. I'm scared to confess that ever since I've discovered it, I've had it every day since then.

And I'm talking about 2021 Stop Jesus I've got a relationship with them I hope they're giving you a discount babe They definitely are I walk into the kitchen to fetch my order So you are a creature of habit And routine

It is terrible And do they love you? Yeah I bet they bloody do. He's been bloody keeping them in business for the last two years. They've got my money. They have all my money. I can't begin to tell you.

And it's not only that. And that's the beautiful thing about it. I live next to a box park. And you guys know what that is. So I'm quite honest. You've got lots of things. I have. You know, it's a variety of things.

Was that burrito going on the last supper? That burrito is definitely going into the last supper. Is it the starter or is it the main? I think it should be the main. Oh, wow. You love it that much? Absolutely. I've recommended it to everybody that I know, everybody that comes and visits.

I take them there. But there's also a beautiful place that makes curries around the corner and it's an unknown. I normally jump onto the train two stops Baker Street. There I am in front of the Hellenic Centre. There's an Indian place at the corner. Right. What's your order there? The chicken korma.

Uh-huh. With naan bread. What kind of naan bread? Are you going peshawari? Garlic. Garlic. Okay. Jessie. Are you so happy having aari? Garlic, okay. Jessie.

Are you so happy having a korma? That is the thing. And they also put me in a corner where I can have my fag and a heater. Stop cutting. Stop. JJ's actually got cotton.

Oh my God, I'm obsessed. I am, you know. So I'm obsessed. I am, you know. So, I'm obsessed. So, okay, we're having a korma and we're having a burrito. Spoon and rice and then this place, two stops. What's it called? This Indian place. Do you want to tell everyone the name?

No. It's a special one. It's a special place. Because you don't want everyone to take your smoking spot. Because people might find me there on an odd day. Okay, so we've got the two mains. Are you going korma starter or are we going korma and burrito for main with the fag? Love you

Your body is Irritatingly divine and you're there having kormas and burritos and smoking I know and I'm just gonna stop at some point. No, darling. You've got to let him eat Yeah, you need to eat. Eat some food. Eat some food. It's divine. We have not finished the last one.

No, and I want to know if Annabelle's cooked for you yet. Yes. Oh, good. She has. And good cook? Amazing cook. Yeah, I could see that. She's an all-rounder, that girl.

You know what I mean. When I tell you that I've never gone hungry with that woman. She's a feeder. She's got three kids and they're all grown. They're gorgeous children. Beautiful kids. And when your kids sing your praises, Ma, you know that you've done your job, isn't it? What I found incredible was the fact that they're not young.

They're not young anymore. But they seemed to care so much about what their mum was going through as if they were not going through it themselves. That used to hit me hard. And I know that their mother was also aware of the fact that she's crying and her kids need comfort as well. It's quite raw, though. It's not long. It's not even a year yet. When they said I'm dancing with her I was like what are they trying to achieve and I say that because two weeks before I started I buried my cousin

who committed suicide oh I'm sorry so I didn't feel like honestly I didn't feel like anything you know I wasn't excited as I normally would be because I was like, this is supposed to be the most exciting period. I've just come back off a very successful tour. But I had to then go home. And I went home to go sort out my credit cards and my driver's license because I was like, I don't want to come back and have a struggle. And he did that. And I could have stayed out there for longer. But after we buried him

I had to fly back and do my audio book that was hard and when Strictly started I was just like okay, just felt like I was going through the motions so you can imagine when they said oh you know, he had the partners I was like okay great, I just really

wanted to deal with it but you never allow the time to deal with whatever it is you're going through in your life for however long it's on that's the truth and yeah they said Johannes we think that you're the person to partner this woman and I just said to myself they're reaching

they really are, I remember calling my agent and I was like I don't know what's going to happen maybe we should say that I shouldn't get a partner this year because I just really need some time out did you know her story her backstory I read I as soon as they announced I pull up my phone google and I do my research you know the people that I spoke to they were like you need you need to dance with Annabelle we know we know we know her you know and I was just like...

Do you think it was because of your mindset, because you were still grieving and because you weren't like... It was that. Did they know about your cousin? I did. I did mention it. I did mention it. But she, but she's so... So you needed each other maybe?

But she's, yeah, maybe it was... And that is the thing. I mean, a lot of people say, oh, Johannes, you helped Annabelle. No, Annabelle helped me. I want to talk about the book because I feel like you're incredibly open and generous with your words. I mean, a lot of people say, oh, Johannes, you helped Annabelle. No, Annabelle helped me. I want to talk about the book because I feel like you're incredibly open and generous with your words. You confide so beautifully. But you also are a private person.

You don't want people to know what the curry place is that you go to. You need that separation. So why did you decide to do Jojo, the book, or Finding Home? Because there's no life-affirming stories for my nieces and my nephews. None. Absolutely none. People that look like them don't go off to do great things.

Do you see what I mean? My agent said to me, Johannes, I think you should write a book. And I said, oh, stop. I'm too young. what am I going to say and it was at the back of coming back from Buckingham Palace and meeting the king

and how that came about don't even ask just because we're still trying to figure it out I can't even tell you my agent just called them up and said I want Johannes to come to the state banquet and they were like oh we would love to have him. So but that is because I was there prior with you know so people I've been to the Buckingham Palace before but I haven't been inside Buckingham Palace

I was outside. Yes I did walk through. Do you know something like how it came about was the fact that he... He the king? No. Oh, your agent. My agent just thought... Is this your agent here? This is my agent here. Oh, hi. He just thought, I'm going to call these people for the second time and say, why is Johannes

not invited to this event? Oh, and got you the invite. Oh, my God. Got me the invite. We were invited. Good agent. We were invited earlier by the L of Essex. He invited me for the Duke of Edinburgh Award

to come give a keynote speech to 3,000 people. Not students, but participants. How did you find that? That was nerve-wracking. But what was beautiful is that I got to take my mum with. So my mum is obsessed with the monarchy. Did she wear a hat? She's obsessed with the monarchy.

She is obsessed. She didn't have a hat on. I said, Bami, nobody's going to mind. I don't think everybody's going to have a hat. It's a garden party. Just chill. But I've got a Victoria Beckham. Should have seen her.

Have you got a picture? Yes, I do. I do. I'll show you. Did she have a good time? She had an amazing time. Even though, you know, my mum, I can't. I'm like, girl, you forget where we come from.

But she was looking at the mugs. My agent was telling me, you could see the thought process in her Google to say, why is there plastic mugs? Oh my God. There weren't. Why were there plastic mugs? Why were there plastic mugs? We should be fine China. We're paying our taxes for plastic.

There were 3,000 people. I don't think they were going to take out the best of the best. Do you know what I mean? I could have hired them. That is iconic. Plastic. I think my mum was just like, what is going on? I would be saying the same.

She is a queen. Can I go and sort out the cake? What were the snacks like? Oh, my gosh. What's the snacks? I don't even remember eating. Just remember the plastic box. I remember there was biscuits.

Sorry, my darling. I'm just going to sort out the cake. Okay. Oh, my gosh. There's this next? I don't even remember eating. Just remember the plastic box. I remember there was biscuits. Sorry, my darling. I'm just going to sort out the cake. Okay. Oh my gosh, there's cake. Yeah. Have you got a sweet tooth? Gosh, I do. That brings me to your dessert for your last supper.

What would the dessert be? There's something that we call a quick sister in South Africa. A quick sister? A cook. A cook sister. A cook sister. Cook is a cake. Okay.

But it is dough. Yeah. You plate it. Uh-huh. You fry it. Oh Yeah. You plate it. Uh-huh. You fry it. Oh, yeah. You dunk it in syrup or honey. Mm.

And once it comes out as hot as it is, you just throw coconut on it. Ooh. It's the most divine thing. And of course, my mum was like, that's just pure sugar. You might as well just drink cellulite. But that takes me back to my childhood. Would you say that's a nostalgic taste? It's a nostalgia.

I can't even begin to tell you. The minute you smell it, because I think it was done in each and every household, so you would walk and it would just smell that syrup. Was there a particular day that people made it? Sunday. Okay. Sunday morning, we had to go fetch the cooks and sisters

and because at the time I was living with this family and they were a mixed race family you know whereas

and of course different cultures different traditions especially when it came to food they used to do all kinds and that's where they trained my palate Was that a positive experience

for you? It was a very beautiful experience because like I said I was introduced to everything else, you know. Are you still in touch with them? I am. I am. I wrote about them in the book. They're my dance parents, you know.

I call them that. And they have nurtured me, I can't tell you. Sometimes I just wish I could win the lottery, you know, Jess. And just, I don't know, and do what they... And just make sure that they're comfortable in life. You know, I just got my mum a medical health insurance. I wish I could do that for them as well. You know, I just don't have enough money.

But it will come. You're on the rise. You say that. It's going to be fine. Yeah. So that would be your pudding. That would be your dessert. That would be my pudding. What would be your dessert. That would be my pudding.

What would be your drink of choice? I always say, like I said, you guys have spoiled me. I've learned new things. I have to say, but I'm a Jack and Coke boy. Jack and Coke? Oh, my goodness. You can imagine my secondary school in that school. I mean, you had...

We had to fundraise for that Jack. We had to do a couple of things and wash cars. Okay. To get a bottle of Jack Daniels as a young boy. I know. And I was not a big drinker and I never was. But then ever since I've come here and I've gone to nice places where they make all kinds of drinks. I absolutely love a Ponce d'Amartini.

Oh, my God. Oh, I am. There's this place in Wembley that makes really nice ones. It's called Escapada. Escapada. They're very sweet. They are. Sweet tooth.

I mean, my teeth are hurting just thinking about it. It's the passion fruit syrup, isn't it? And it can't be done without the passion fruit syrup. No. And the vanilla vodka. Do you love it? Do you think you could get good at making cocktails at home? I definitely could, you know.

I believe in you. Definitely could. I have to say, though, like at home? I definitely could, you know. I believe in you. Definitely could. I have to say, though, like you said, I'm such a private person. I really am. Very rarely that I would host or bring people around. You know, very few people know where I live. Do you like your own company? I do.

I've learned to understand that I won't have drama to deal with. I guess because being a dancer, and particularly the way that you dance, you know, you're in pairs. You dance with other, not even just pairs, groups, all of it. Darling, would you like to have some? Ooh, mum, yes. Oh, my goodness.

Start with that. You can have more. Start, you know, you can take some home. It's cream. It's cream and it's like a citrusy... With all my heart. With all my heart, yeah. See what you think. I think it's delicious. Start's like a citrusy. With all my heart. With all my heart, yeah. See what you think.

I think it's delicious. Start. Do it. Yeah. Thank you, mum. Oh, this looks great. What do you think? Okay, so we have, is it good?

Are you happy? I am floating. See what you think. Okay, I'm going to see. Oh my gosh. Okay, let's see. Oh, it's good, Lenny. Yeah.

Oh, you've done yourself proud there. It's divine, Mum. That's good. That is good, Mum. Excuse me, how moist? Now, before we let you go and do more promotions, let's talk about the tour that your mum is coming over for. It's a big old tour.

It is, Jessie. You're going everywhere. From the Clan Dudlow to... Yeah big old tour. It is Jessie. You're going everywhere from the clan Dugnode. Yeah I mean. It is, listen. And the house, how many is in the house? The house of Jojo, how many are in your house? There is 12 of them, two singers and 10 dancers and I'm happy to announce that one is the X Factor winner and one is the voice winner. I watched the voice on the X Factor. Yeah. Okay. They're soon to be announced.

But three years ago when I started off, Jessie, I had to go to freedom to seek out a singer. And I was like, give me any black woman who belts out those numbers at 12 o'clock at night, making all the gays happy. Yeah. Send her my way. Okay. And funny story, I did find one who was from South Africa and that was her gigging every single night. And I said, would you like to do a tour?

And she went on. And Elisa, I can't tell you how I've been, you know. That's so lovely. It's the most beautiful thing because that is what House of Jojo is. You've been doing it for a while, right? I have? I have I have I did I started off as Freedom in 20 after John I thought this is the best time to go on tour

you know because people wanted to to see me when people wanted to see John. Did John come? He did I wanted to to do it with me thank goodness that i did it then because honestly it has given me an opportunity to dance to my own tune yeah i mean it's it's a brand it's your house it is because i think it has also been a dream from of mine to honestly have something i could call my own and tell my own narrative on things i I think I've been dancing to people's music. I don't think people even knew about Miriam McKay. You have to be of a certain age.

I dance to all African music. I dance to everything. You know, I bring the singers from South Africa to sing in the language. You must have the best national anthem of any country in the whole world it makes me cry do you cry oh my god sicklele africa oh my god if you ever hear it especially do you remember

you have those children the choir we had little girls staying from the south african crime they stayed and they sang it for us and they every night as they sing it for me and they'd sing in the garden and sing, yeah. They'd go in the garden and sing, didn't they? Your mum is so well-versed. Isn't it just gorgeous? She is well-versed. And it was just so beautiful.

I want to ask you, have you ever tried peck's anchovet? No, ma'am. Okay, they made it in South Africa and they discontinued it. I was hoping your mum could bring some over. And then I heard that they were going to start it again in pick and pay. You could buy it. So I was going, maybe I'll ask your mum to bring some over. It's an anchovet spread.

It's anchovet bean bread. And it's a South African spread. It's only made in South Africa by this company called Pex. And one year I bought so much back, I had to pay £200 in excess baggage because I bought half kilo jars of it back and I thought I'll bring 20. And I got 20 kilos of a lot of it. So if your mum could do us a favour,

bring some peps and to that. Oh my God. Johannes, you've been such, well, we knew you would be, but it's just such a pleasure to sit and eat with you. Go on, what's your question? Karaoke. Do you sing? Well, let me be honest.

I've just had my first voice. Yeah. Lesson? My singing lesson, yeah. He's going on the Western. That's it. Yeah, absolutely. I needed somebody to say to me, somebody with expertise to say to me.

Who's your teacher? Her name is Jo. Jo who? Jo Thompson. Jo Thompson. Yeah, absolutely. I needed somebody to say to me, somebody with expertise to say to me. Who's your teacher? Her name is Jo. Jo who? Jo Thompson? Jo Thompson. She was my singing teacher. Stop.

Sweet Jo. An actor. An actor. Oh my God. I love her. Oh really. She's lovely. She was encouraging, isn't it? She's amazing.

And that is the thing. Also, she's not like over the top. She just kind of plays the chords and I love her. Does she think you can sing? That's what she said when I walked out. She said to me, well, you know the baritone, you're definitely a tenor. And you know what? And that was the lovely thing.

I thought, that's the thing. I was like, you know what, Jesus? I found my girl. Show Thompson's amazing. She said, coming, this is my house. We went tea. I said, okay. We sat down. We had a chat. She said, coming, this is my house. We like tea. I said, okay. We sat down.

We had a chat. She said, let's walk into the small room. She said, relax. She said, you're a dancer. Throw your arms about you and your hips about. Oh my God. And while you do that, sing. I can't tell you, I had the most beautiful day.

She's a good woman. Beautiful day. Okay, so what's your karaoke song? Who do you see yourself if you could be anyone singing always thinking about this one

I am because you're not Whitney are you Whitney somebody that I read no you're not singing

no no you know what I mean don't would you do me in the karaoke definitely oh wow

Jessie I'm honoured no one has said that I'm honoured No one has said that I'm honoured You're going to have to do it now I want video proof I'm honoured

And which song would it be for you? Don't Stop Oh you like that song That's a fun dance that we do You have to come to one of my shows I need to And I am. I'm giving myself the permission to live life to the limit.

Yeah, come to the intimate. I'm going to give you the dates of which ones you should be at. Okay, definitely. And that's what we need to do. Thank you so much for being here. It is always just so wonderful to see you on our screens, but to have lunch with you. Of course I do.

An absolute pleasure. Can you become our best friend? I thought I was already your best friend. Okay. That's fine. You know what I mean? Thank you. Good absolute pleasure. Can you become our best friend? I thought I was already your best friend. That's fine. Thank you. Good luck with the tour. I appreciate that. And you should be so proud of yourself. We feel very proud of you. Thank you.

I think the whole nation does. You say that, Madonna. Thank you. We're so very proud of you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Jess, where's my baby boy? Where's my bottle of Bollinger? In the cab with Johannes. No, I'm joking.

We wanted him. I love it. That is the sign of a great dinner party guest. I know. He was like, that champagne's very nice. And I went, yeah, I'm going on the school run in a minute. Go and take it. And he went, really? And I said, yeah. Hello, you can come in, bubba. Do you want to come sit on mummy's lap and be very quiet? Johannes was such a great guest. He's brilliant. I love him. He taught Lenny a little move.

Maybe you'll be in the house of Jojo, Mum. Maybe not. Is he casting? Lenny would like to join. Thank you so much, Johannes, for coming on. Hearing his stories. Really beautiful. And I love how much he appreciates everything that happens to him.

Yeah. You know, he doesn't take any of it for granted. That was really, really fun. And I do like somebody who is willing to drink half a bottle of champagne in the car back to North West London. Love that. Thank you, Johannes, for coming on. His book, Jojo, Finally Home, is out already. I've got to sign a copy now.

And we're all going to the tour we are I'll be at the Palladium the matinee with the kids yeah probably see you all there and we'll

see you next week Thank you.