Johannes Radebe channels Kinky Boots’ Lola with red false nails at the Olivier Awards amid Strictly bloodbath

Johannes Radebe brought the spirit of his Kinky Boots role, Lola, to the Olivier Awards in London on Sunday.

The 38-year-old professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing is currently starring in a show at the London Coliseum. He showed off bright red fake nails while posing for photos at a glamorous event held at the Royal Albert Hall.

The dancer looked incredibly chic for the event, wearing a white suit. It included a tailored double-breasted blazer with gold details and wide-leg trousers.

He completed the eye-catching look with a long white satin shawl draped over his arms. 

Johannes’ appearance comes amid a shock shake-up on Strictly Come Dancing. 

BBC

fans have been left stunned in recent weeks as favourites Nadiya, 36,
Karen Hauer
, 43, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30,
Luba Mushtuk
, 36, and
Gorka Marquez
, 35, have all been given the boot.
Bosses are now said to be on the hunt for fresh talent, with one rising star already believed to have ‘caught their eye’.

This year the 50th anniversary Olivier Awards took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Nick Mohammed, known for his acting, comedy, and role on The Traitors, hosted the glamorous event, which aired on the BBC.

Paddington The Musical was a huge success at the awards, winning seven categories including Best New Musical, Best Set Design, Best Costume Design, Best Director, and awards for its leading and supporting actors.

The musical won seven of its 11 nominations in total.  

Despite receiving a remarkable 11 nominations, Into the Woods won awards for Best Lighting Design and Best Musical Revival.

All My Sons triumphed in the  Best Revival and Best Actor in a Supporting Role categories. 

Rosamund Pike won the Best Actress award for her performance in the legal drama Inter Alia, which received praise from critics during its run at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End.

The actress beat nominees Cate Blanchett, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julia McDermott and Rosie Sheehy.

Rosamund Pike, famous for films like Die Another Day and Gone Girl, described returning to the stage as both exciting and a big gamble when she accepted her award at the Royal Albert Hall.

She admitted during her acceptance speech that this was the most stressful thing she’d be doing for weeks.

Performing someone else’s well-crafted script for an hour and forty minutes is one challenge. But speaking with your own voice and relying on your own thoughts is a completely different experience.

The celebrated actress explained that she hadn’t performed on stage for 14 years. She described returning to the theatre, and being asked by the National Theatre – a renowned institution – to appear in this particular play, as both a significant and thrilling risk.

Rachel Zegler, 34, won Best Actress in a Musical for Evita at The London Palladium. 

Jack Holden won Best Actor for his performance in ‘Kenrex,’ a one-man crime thriller, marking a victory for independent theatre. He played all the roles in the show.

He was up against Bryan Cranston, Sean Hayes, Tom Hiddleston and David Shields.

Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her role on Coronation Street, won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in ‘Punch,’ which was staged at the Young Vic and Apollo theatres.

Paapa Essiedu won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in All My Sons, which was staged at Wyndham’s Theatre.

The Boy At The Back Of The Class, adapted by Nick Aha scooped Best Family Show. 

Dame Elaine Paige was also honoured with this year’s Special Award at Sunday night’s ceremony.

As a long-time observer of the performing arts, I find it incredibly special to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Olivier Awards by recognizing someone who truly embodies the spirit of theatre. This performer isn’t just talented; they’ve dedicated their life to their craft and generously inspired countless audience members and fellow artists over the years. It’s a beautiful tribute, and perfectly fitting for this milestone.

Oh my gosh, can you BELIEVE who presented the awards?! It was Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber – LORD ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER! – and Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Helen Mirren, and even Dame Arlene Phillips! I was practically losing it when I saw them all on stage, it was a dream come true!

Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre. 

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2026-04-12 23:49