JOHANNES - Bradford loves you!

He's one of the hottest stars of Strictly Come Dancing and on Saturday night Johannes Radebe thrilled a packed audience at St George's Hall with his show Freedom.

Taking us on a journey of his life so far, the show opened with a spectacular celebration of his South African roots, complete with tribal style costumes and beading. Singer Anelisa Lamola led a set of traditional African music and Johannes explained how it represented his home town and how 'I was too much for them...they didn't know how to handle me'. So with just a small bag he headed to Johannesburg - with the support of his family to be whatever he wanted to be.

There followed a joyful set depicting young people loving life - and loving dance. Colourful costumes included catsuits and multi-coloured dungarees.

Johannes told us he started dancing after joining his sister's dance school - the sequins called him to a life of dance.

A lovely ballroom sequence depicted him imagining what life as a dancer would be like.

In the second act we were treated to Johannes dancing a dramatic tango, and he spoke fondly of how his life changed four years ago when he joined Strictly. He paid tribute to his three partners: Catherine Tyldesley - 'a friend for life' - Caroline Quentin - who taught him to have fun - and John Whaite, who Johannes made TV history with as Strictly's first all-male couple. Johannes said their partnership was based on 'respect, love and care' and it was the best experience of his life.

It was such a treat to see Johannes perform his Strictly highlights, including that unforgettable Pirates of the Caribbean paso doble, and everyone was on their feet for a joyful disco medley.

Throughout the show Johannes was joined by a terrific ensemble of dancers, with special mention to his dance partner, Lowri Evans, and the excellent singers, Anelisa Lamola and Andile Mabhena.

This was a fabulous feelgood show. We absolutely loved it.

'I just want the whole world to dance', Johannes told the T&A. On Saturday night, it felt like he'd done just that.

* Johannes Radebe's Freedom show is at York Opera House on April 12; Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, on April 13 and Aberdeen Music Hall on April 15.

johannes.live.com