Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe said he considered giving up his "beautiful life" after a series of family tragedies.
The dancer made it all the way to the final of the BBC One dancer contest's 2021 series last year.
He was in the show's first all-male couple with celebrity partner John Whaite.
The pair impressed the judges week in, week out and won the hearts of viewers everywhere.
But Johannes almost returned home at one stage due to a number of family deaths causing him to feel lost.
He told Hello! magazine: "Three members of my family had died. I felt lost and wanted to be there for my mum and the others.
"I was living a beautiful life in the UK but started to question what was more important. My career had taken me away from my family for years and I felt guilty. It still bothers me to this day.
"I live alone and don’t have a partner. So, I thought by going home I could lead a simpler life around people I love."
The dancer said that his supportive late Aunt Martha, who died of Covid-19 last year, influenced his decision to stay.
"She told me I was highly favoured, not because of what I do on the dancefloor but because my purpose is about extending myself to help others," he said.
The South African dancer joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, having previously been on South Africa’s version of Strictly and Dancing with the Stars.
Johannes also revealed he has never given relationships a chance but feels he is now in a place where he can “accept love”.
The 34-year-old said: "I’ve never given relationships a chance.
"We can’t love someone else if we don’t love ourselves, but I’m now in a place in my own mind where I can accept love because I know how to give love.
"I’m still waiting for someone to step forward for me and know there are wonderful people out there.
"And yes, I’d like children one day. Parenthood is a huge responsibility I’d like to share."
For all the latest news and gossip, click here to sign up to our newsletter
