John Whaite recently made a shocking confession about his feelings for Johannes Radebe (Picture: Instagram)
The status of John Whaite’s relationship has been confirmed after he dropped a bombshell about having feelings for Strictly Come Dancing pro Johannes Radebe.
John, 34, and Johannes, 36, were taken to the hearts of the nation in what was a truly groundbreaking series of the BBC dance show, and they ended up in second place as Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice lifted the trophy.
And while their partnership was nothing but adorable from the start, the Great British Bake Off winner revealed over the weekend that he actually had other feelings bubbling away beneath the surface.
While competing in the 2021 series of Strictly, he ‘fell in love’ with Johannes, with whom he made history as the first male-male pairing.
It’s believed Johannes was single himself at the time, but John was actually engaged to his partner Paul Atkins.
As a result of his love for Johannes, the couple – who have been together for over 15 years – had to spend some time apart.
The TV star admitted to ‘falling in love’ with Johannes in 2021 (Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock)
However, thankfully, they seem to be back on track, as family member has confirmed that, despite their blip, John and graphic designer Paul are still an item.
When approached by MailOnline, Peter Atkins, 71, nodded his head when asked if John and Paul were still engaged to be married.
Speaking at the family’s semi-detached home in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, Peter said of the split: ‘It was only very brief.’
‘It was nothing, really,’ he insisted.
In his initial revelation, baker John confessed to almost falling victim to the so-called Strictly curse after spending all day, every day with his South African pro.
John said: ‘I fell in love with him. I can’t speak for him – because I’m not allowed to, legally – but it felt like there was love there.
The pair made history as the first all-male partnership on Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: PA)
John had to spend time apart from his real romantic partner after growing closer to Johannes (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
He continued: ‘So yes, I fell in love with Johannes. I still love Johannes. Of course I do.’
The TV presenter was open with Paul about his feelings for Johannes and they both agreed on some space.
John added to The Times: ‘I look at Paul and what he’s put up with over the years and how he’s nurtured me and stood by me, and who would throw that away? I couldn’t.’
The Steph’s Packed Lunch chef said he still speaks to Johannes occasionally but would cut contact if it became ‘tricky’ for Paul.
While Strictly favourite Johannes – who danced with Ellie Taylor last series – hasn’t publicly responded to John’s confession, he has made no secret of his admiration for him throughout their friendship.
John and graphic designer Paul Atkins are now back on track (Picture: Instagram)
Johannes will return to the dancefloor later this year with a new Strictly celeb (Picture: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images)
Ahead of last year’s series, the choreographer penned a heartfelt tribute on social media.
‘Now that Strictly rehearsals have started, I’ve been thinking back to last year when I had the pleasure of meeting @john_whaite’, he wrote last August.
‘I can’t believe it’s been a year since John came into my life and what a fabulous and truly special Strictly journey we had.
‘There were moments during the show which took my breath away, including the overwhelming support we received.’
He went on to thank fans for all the ‘kind comments’ and for voting for the pair throughout the competition, commenting: ‘It means so so much.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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John was open with his partner about his feelings towards Johannes.