EXCLUSIVE: Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe appeared withdrawn days before it was announced he is set to quit.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe is reportedly set to quit the BBC show at the end of the series.

The South African dancer, 37, who has become a fan-favourite since he joined the series in 2018, has landed two huge projects in 2025, with sources claiming his schedule is too much to continue with Strictly.

According to body language expert Judi James, the professional dancer has looked “subdued” in recent weeks and has not appeared to be his usual “upbeat” self.

The dancer is currently paired with Gladiators star Montell Douglas, and the pair have been tipped to reach the final, despite being in the dreaded dance-off on Sunday (November 3).

Speaking on behalf of Buzz Bingo to Express Online, Judi gave an insight into the show’s partnerships after the first-ever Icons Week on Strictly.

Body language expert Judi James noted Johannes Radebe’s ‘introverted display’ (Image: BBC)

The expert explained: “Johannes has become a star outside the show, and although he is clearly doing everything to get Montell to a potential glitterball win, his body language appears to have been transformed this season.

His usual smile involves a ‘devilish’ eyebrow shape, twinkling eye expressions and a mouth smile that involves a flat top lip and a ‘bucket’ lower jaw drop, which is all much more gorgeous than it sounds.

This season his jaw looks firm and defiant and his lips are often clamped.”

Judi insisted that while he has a good relationship with his celebrity partner, Montell, he has “stepped back,” allowing her more of the spotlight.

Strictly’s Johannes Radebe and Montell Jordan performed a waltz for Icons Week (Image: BBC)

“He appears subdued, sitting in training with his legs stretched out and one hand placed between them in a more introvert display than ever before, leaning away onto one arm as though making for the door,” the expert commented.

Judi said: “Sitting alone for his piece to camera he is equally subdued in a plain knitted hat pulled low and a bomber jacket zipped right up, sitting with his hands clasped calmly in front of his torso.

He and Montell do appear close and this week’s routine was sublime but he actively steps back to allow her to be the star after their dances.

But these are not the same upbeat body language traits that normally pick the very popular Johannes out as one of Strictly’s key stars.”

The expert noted Johannes Radebe’s body language in a piece to camera (Image: BBC)

Johannes revealed he nearly quit the show after being paired with Annabel Croft during last year’s series.

He wasn’t happy with the producer’s partnering choice, as Annabel was coming to terms with the death of her husband Mel, and the pro dancer was also dealing with his own grief when he buried his cousin two weeks before the series started.

The duo went on to have a great partnership and they made it all the way to the semi-finals.