'Strictly Come Dancing' fans are ALL saying the same thing about John and Johannes after tonight's show

John and Johannes in week one of Strictly Come Dancing
John Whaite and Johannes Radebe made Strictly history tonight. (Image credit: BBC1)

Strictly Come Dancing fans were in for a real treat tonight as the stars of 2021 took to the dance floor for the very first live show of the series. But while each and every couple did brilliantly, everyone is talking about John Whaite and Johannes Radebe's groundbreaking Tango. 

All Strictly Come Dancing fans will already know that John and Johannes have made Strictly history by becoming the show's first-ever all-male dance duo, and the pair definitely didn't disappoint as they danced their socks off in tonight's show. 

Fans were left thrilled by the couple's performance, which the pair received a standing ovation not only from the studio audience but also from the judges and their fellow contestants, too. 

The celebrities and their dance partners on week one of Strictly Come Dancing

The 2021 celebrities took to the Strictly dance floor for the first time tonight.  (Image credit: BBC1)

Head judge Shirley said: "I feel this is a testimony to the same-sex couple, it was absolutely exquisite, and the fact you went from being a leader to being lead is unbelievably difficult Johannes, but you executed it beautifully, and the choreography was absolutely stunning".

Anton Du Beke added: "You absolutely made it about the dancing, that was a great dance. It was all the things I like, it was strong, it was clean, and it was powerful. Carry on like that and I will be delighted!"

John and Johannes in week one of Strictly Come Dancing

Fans loved everything about John and Johannes' Tango.  (Image credit: BBC1)

Even Craig Revel Horwood couldn't find much fault with the dance, commenting only on John's wayward thumb. Apart from that, the famously moody judge said, "Oh I loved it, I thought it was wonderful!"

After getting a brilliant first-week score of 30, Johannes looked emotional about the fact they had received such high praise, and fans couldn't get enough of the pair on social media...

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With no one voted out in week one, all 15 couples will return to the dance floor next weekend with a brand new routine that they've had just one week to master. 

But with the standard already so high, who will survive the first elimination of the series? 

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturdays at 7pm on BBC1. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.