Strictly's Montell Douglas declares 'love' for pro partner who 'looked after' her
Montell Douglas has opened up about her "love" for her former Strictly dance partner and explained how they "really were a team".
The Olympian shared insights into the "nurturing" dynamic she shared with her professional partner, Johannes Radebe, when they took to the Strictly dance floor in the BBC dance contest's 2024 series.
She described how the South African dancer "protected" her during her time on the show. And, although the pair lost out on the Glitterball Trophy and finished in sixth place, their friendship has endured.
Looking back at her experience, Montell explained how the pals "guided each other" through the show. She also detailed how the 38-year-old dancer took care of her.
(Image: BBC)
Montell told Closer: "We guided each other, which was really great. We really were a team. Sometimes, he took the reins, sometimes I did - we leaned on each other.
"And it was like that throughout the whole experience. He really protected me, which is what I love from the friendship. He's really nurturing anyway as a person, and he looked after me and it made my experience."
Montell confessed that without Johannes, it would've been a "very different experience" for her, particularly when considering what they went through, adding she's "glad" that it's continued and been "consistent" ever since.
It wouldn't be the first time the athlete has gushed over Johannes. Speaking to Closer magazine in November, she described her friendship with Johannes as "lovely".
She dubbed him the man she "never knew" she needed in her life, describing how they shared "banter" and would laugh at each other in the training room, "at ourselves".
(Image: BBC)
Montell said: "When things aren't clicking and you feel frustrated, we just have a laugh. I feel really honoured and grateful; every moment I'm just like, 'OK, this is the best feeling'. "
Johannes first partnered up with Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley in 2019, later uniting with Ellie Taylor, tennis star Annabel Croft and Montell, who is also a Gladiator, last year.
Montell was born in South London and first qualified for the Olympic team in 2007, competing in the European Athletics Indoor Championships and the World Athletics Championships, reports the BBC.
She scooped second place in the Women's 100m at the British Championships before picking up a UK record at the European Athletics Final. Montell represented Team GB at the 2008 Olympics.
Speaking to the Independent about her lifestyle, she said: "Strength to me is definitely a feeling opposed to me doing something. I feel at my strongest when I am doing what I love and am able to function really competently in my daily life."
Montell added that she feels like she's at her strongest when she achieves a "seamless" lifestyle, which involves sufficient sleep and "eating better".
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