Strictly Come Dancing fans saw Johannes Radebe and Alex Kingston leave the competition on Sunday night, but it seems Johannes was saying goodbye to more than just this year's series. As the pair gave their final statement, something that Johannes said had fans stop in their tracks. After Alex praised him for being a life-long friend, Johannes said: "Thank you, because I have never grinned this much in my life than in the past couple of weeks with you.

"Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. I appreciate the laughs, I will hold onto the memories, as far as the dancing goes, I think we both achieved what we wanted to achieve. To my Strictly family, I am forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you." Taking to X, viewers started to share their concern as they felt Johannes was "saying goodbye".

One user wrote: "This felt like Johannes was saying goodbye to SCD. We can't lose him." Another added: "I really hope he stays, and we are wrong, but he is very busy with his stage work, isn't he?"

A third wrote: "It definitely sounded as if Johannes was saying goodbye. I really hope not. Totally agree we can't lose him." Another user chimed: "He's incredibly talented. If he's leaving, then I wish him all the happiness in the world."

Last year, Johannes vowed he wouldn't be stepping down from Strictly, despite his other theatre work, writing on Instagram: "I'm not going anywhere! The story isn't true, I love Strictly, and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me and as long as my body will allow.

"I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline, yes, but nothing will take me away."

He also told This Morning hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard earlier this year that he's "not going anywhere" and stated: "You're going to have to drag me off that show with my sequins."

Johannes has yet to provide an updated statement after what appeared to be a farewell speech before he left the show on Sunday, but fans have speculated that he wants to focus on his musical theatre roles, which include starring in Kinky Boots in 2026.

The fears of Johannes stepping down come as legendary presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed they would be hanging up their sequins after this series comes to a close, though their replacement has not yet been confirmed.