Strictly’s John Whaite on ‘intimate’ dances with Johannes and unyielding support of partner Paul
The former Great British Bake Off winner shrugs off the Strictly 'curse' in the Attitude December issue, out now.
Words: Thomas Stichbury; Photography: Dean Ryan McDaid
John Whaite shakes off the subject of the famous Strictly ‘curse’ as he praises his “amazing” boyfriend for being so supportive during his time on the show.
In the past, the BBC series has grabbed headlines with reports of couples turning up the heat on and off the dancefloor – but John maintains that long-term partner Paul “hasn’t once questioned” his relationship with dance pro Johannes Radebe.
Johannes wears tank top by Sunspel, jeans by Lee; John wears tank top by Rufskin, jeans by Calvin Klein, necklace by Pawnshop London for the Attitude December issue (Photography: Dean Ryan McDaid; Fashion director: Joseph Kocharian)
Appearing alongside Johannes in the Attitude December issue – out now to download and to order globally – the ex-barrister delves into just how steamy the routines can be.
“It is intimate, isn’t it, between you [Johannes] and me? We’re on the dance floor, we are literally crotch to crotch in some of our dances, and you know Paul hasn’t once questioned it,” he says.
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“He’s never said, ‘Is anything…?’, because he knows, because our relationship is based on trust, and we have rules in place for our relationship.
“Every relationship is unique and so he’s been amazing. I don’t think I would have been able to continue doing Strictly if it wasn’t for Paul.”
John, 32, who rose to fame as the winner of The Great British Bake Off in 2012, adds that he has been doing his best to amp up the sex appeal in the wardrobe department too.
John wears tank top by Rufskin, jeans by Calvin Klein Jeans, necklace by Pawnshop London (Photography: Dean Ryan McDaid; Fashion director: Joseph Kocharian)
“I’ve been slightly gutted that my costumes aren’t even sheerer! I was hoping I’d have shirts buttoned down to the belly button; every time they put me in a shirt, I keep undoing buttons,” he laughs.
“I was excited for the costumes because I used to wear my mum’s boob tubes and heels when I was three or four. I loved dressing up.”
Read the full interview in the Attitude December issue, out now.
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