Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse quits the show

"You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable!"

By Catherine Earp

22 Feb 2022

Oti Mabuse has announced she is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.

The pro dancer shared a montage of pictures with her celebrity partners, as she shared the news on Instagram.

"Never easy to say goodbye," she captioned the post. "I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.

Ray BurmistonBBC

"Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers! You are my family and I adore you all forever.

"Thank you @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g and @jasongilkison for truly believing in me."

She added: "I'm honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK – which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

"I can't put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.

oti mabuse, bill bailey, strictly come dancing

BBC

"Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, Strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my Strictly journey, thank you for being incredible!

"You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you.

"I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx"

Sadly the brilliant @OtiMabuse is leaving the show after seven incredible series. Thank you Oti, you will always be a huge part of our #Strictly family. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/i1rEAnQm6h
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) February 22, 2022

The BBC also put out a statement, praising Oti's "dazzling legacy".

"Her energy, creativity and talent have contributed to so many of the show’s most memorable moments and she will be hugely missed, not only by viewers, but the entire team," said executive producer Sarah James.

"We couldn't be prouder of Oti and what she has achieved on the show. She will always be at the very heart of our Strictly family and we wish her every success in her already bright future."

Oti's sister Motsi Mabuse, who is a Strictly judge, wrote on her Instagram post: ""It's time to fly baby girl! I am so proud of you – fearless, courageous and so looking forward to seeing your dreams come true."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oti Mabuse (@otimabuse)

"Leaving one AMAZING legacy behind!" It Takes Two host and former Strictly pro Janette Manrara added. "I'll miss you and our passionate chats more than I can explain!

"But you are a superstar, and one of the hardest working women I know. Not even the sky's the limit for you! I love you and thank you for your amazing friendship through the years."

"Love you baby girl," added Nancy Xu. "I know you will shine like a star no matter what you do and where you are."

Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas wrote: "I'm so proud of you in so many ways. You for sure have been a big part of the show and you will be missed. We will see you move forward in such a positive light.

"I've enjoyed so many times with you and loved the fact you loved to learn. Beauty for sure you have, but your beautiful heart shines brightly. Looking forward to following your future. May your candle continue to glow brightly for all those around you. Love you lots."

strictly come dancing 2019 winners oti mabuse and kelvin fletcher

BBC

Oti first appeared on the show in 2015, and went on to scoop the Glitterball twice once with Emmerdale's Kelvin Fletcher, then the following year with comedian Bill Bailey, becoming the first pro dancer to do so with back to back partners.

Recently Oti joined the Dancing On Ice judging panel on ITV, and has also been a judge on The Masked Dancer. She will present a new primetime dating show called Romeo and Duet for ITV, too – which will air later this year.

She is also host of a podcast for BBC Sounds called Oti Mabuse's Dancing Legends, her first solo tour I Am Here starts in April, and her second children's book, a follow-up to Dance with Oti: The Bird Jive titled Dance With Oti: The Lion Samba, is due to be released this summer.