Strictly's Johannes Radebe is getting a movie about his life

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe is getting his life dramatised in an upcoming movie.

Inspired by the pro dancer's memoir JoJo: Finally Home, the film adaption is set to follow Radebe's first dance steps in the South African township of Zamelda, where he faced homophobic discrimination as a young boy and he saw race and class inequality first hand while taking part in dance competitions.

With the support of his mother, sister and a dance coach, Johannes would go on to cultivate his gift and took part in the South African versions of Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars in the mid-2010s.

Since 2018, he's been part of the professional cast of the UK version of Strictly, where he made the final in 2021 with John Whaite as part of the show's first male same-sex couple.

With Radebe serving as executive producer, Finally Home (working title) is produced by Anthony Kimble's Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films, and promises to be "packed with heart, great music, wonderful costumes and big dance numbers".

"Growing up gay in the townships of South Africa was not an easy ride, but there were so many good things about my life there, and it has made me the person I am today," Radebe said about the project (via Deadline).

"I never imagined my story would end up on the big screen, so I am greatly appreciative of this new opportunity and look forward to working closely with Helena and Anthony over the coming months."

“At its core, Jojo's story is a hugely heartwarming coming-of-age tale, but it also conveys so many interesting themes around identity, acceptance, community and, of course, family," Arrested Industries' CEO Anthony Kimble commented.

"Our ambition is to do the book – and Jojo – justice by producing a bold, colorful and thoroughly entertaining film that leaves audiences of all ages with big smiles on their faces."

As for Spring, a South African producer whose work includes 2004's Oscar-nominated drama Yesterday, she called Finally Home "an incredible personal story" that could also help bring aspects of South African culture to international audiences.

"South Africa is increasingly becoming a go-to location for international film and TV, with the world recognizing that we not only have a skilled talent base but also so many brilliant stories to tell," she said.

"Finally Home, while clearly an incredible personal story, will also provide insights into contemporary culture in South Africa and portray facets of community life in the townships that are rarely seen on screen."

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Tickets for Strictly's 2024 live arena tour are available now, while Johannes will tour the UK with his show House of Jojo later this spring.